Parvovirus B19 Outbreak in Israel: Retrospective Molecular Analysis from 2010 to 2023

Parvovirus B19 Outbreak in Israel: Retrospective Molecular Analysis from 2010 to 2023

2024 | Orna Mor, Marina Wax, Shoshana-Shani Arami, Maya Yitzhaki, Or Kriger, Oran Erster and Neta S. Zuckerman
This study analyzes the epidemiological trends of parvovirus B19 (B19V) in Israel from 2010 to 2023, with a focus on the 2023 outbreak. The analysis, conducted at the Central Virology Laboratory, reveals that between 2010 and 2022, 8.5% of PCR-tested samples were positive for B19V, while in 2023, this percentage surged to 31%. The annual cycles consistently peaked in early spring/summer, with the most recent prominent outbreak occurring in 2016. The majority of diagnoses were made in children and women aged 20–39. Despite the surge in 2023, over 80% of positive cases continued to be observed in these groups, with a decrease in cases during winter months. Genotype 1a of the virus remained the predominant strain circulating during the outbreak. The study suggests that screening measures, particularly for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, should be considered. The 2023 outbreak sequences clustered together, characterized by three unique synonymous mutations, and were not geographically localized. The authors propose that the rise in B19V infections in 2023 could be attributed to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced healthcare utilization and immune responses. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness and understanding of B19V epidemiology to develop effective prevention and control measures.This study analyzes the epidemiological trends of parvovirus B19 (B19V) in Israel from 2010 to 2023, with a focus on the 2023 outbreak. The analysis, conducted at the Central Virology Laboratory, reveals that between 2010 and 2022, 8.5% of PCR-tested samples were positive for B19V, while in 2023, this percentage surged to 31%. The annual cycles consistently peaked in early spring/summer, with the most recent prominent outbreak occurring in 2016. The majority of diagnoses were made in children and women aged 20–39. Despite the surge in 2023, over 80% of positive cases continued to be observed in these groups, with a decrease in cases during winter months. Genotype 1a of the virus remained the predominant strain circulating during the outbreak. The study suggests that screening measures, particularly for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, should be considered. The 2023 outbreak sequences clustered together, characterized by three unique synonymous mutations, and were not geographically localized. The authors propose that the rise in B19V infections in 2023 could be attributed to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced healthcare utilization and immune responses. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness and understanding of B19V epidemiology to develop effective prevention and control measures.
Reach us at info@study.space
Understanding Parvovirus B19 Outbreak in Israel%3A Retrospective Molecular Analysis from 2010 to 2023