20 March 2024 | Orna Mor, Marina Wax, Shoshana-Shani Arami, Maya Yitzhaki, Or Kriger, Oran Erster, Neta S. Zuckerman
A retrospective molecular analysis of parvovirus B19 (B19V) in Israel from 2010 to 2023 reveals significant epidemiological trends. The study analyzed molecular diagnostic data from the Central Virology Laboratory (CVL) and found that the percentage of PCR-positive B19V samples increased from 8.5% in 2010–2022 to 31% in 2023. Annual peaks in B19V cases consistently occurred in early spring/summer, with the most recent outbreak in 2016. The majority of cases were in children and women aged 20–39, with a notable surge in 2023. Genotype 1a remained the predominant strain circulating during the outbreak. The 2023 outbreak was not geographically localized, with sequences from different regions of Israel and other countries clustering together. The outbreak was characterized by three unique synonymous mutations. The study suggests that the B19V 1a strain has been continuously circulating in Israel, and the 2023 outbreak was likely due to this strain. The rise in B19V infections in 2023 may be linked to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced healthcare utilization and immune responses. Despite the increase in cases, over 80% of positive cases were still observed in children and young women. The study highlights the importance of screening, particularly for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, to prevent complications like fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis. The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and understanding of B19V epidemiology to develop effective prevention and control measures.A retrospective molecular analysis of parvovirus B19 (B19V) in Israel from 2010 to 2023 reveals significant epidemiological trends. The study analyzed molecular diagnostic data from the Central Virology Laboratory (CVL) and found that the percentage of PCR-positive B19V samples increased from 8.5% in 2010–2022 to 31% in 2023. Annual peaks in B19V cases consistently occurred in early spring/summer, with the most recent outbreak in 2016. The majority of cases were in children and women aged 20–39, with a notable surge in 2023. Genotype 1a remained the predominant strain circulating during the outbreak. The 2023 outbreak was not geographically localized, with sequences from different regions of Israel and other countries clustering together. The outbreak was characterized by three unique synonymous mutations. The study suggests that the B19V 1a strain has been continuously circulating in Israel, and the 2023 outbreak was likely due to this strain. The rise in B19V infections in 2023 may be linked to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced healthcare utilization and immune responses. Despite the increase in cases, over 80% of positive cases were still observed in children and young women. The study highlights the importance of screening, particularly for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, to prevent complications like fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis. The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and understanding of B19V epidemiology to develop effective prevention and control measures.