Case report: Be alert to parvovirus infection in patients with unexplained anemia after cerebral hemorrhage surgery

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1700344...

Published: 2026-02-19T00:00:00Z

Human parvovirus B19 is a single-stranded DNA virus that mostly causes mild disease, but can lead to severe complications in some patients, including anemia and multiple organ damage[1][2]. The article describes the case of an immunocompetent patient who, after brain surgery, developed unexplained refractory anemia accompanied by impaired consciousness, fever, seizures, and progressive heart, liver, and kidney failure[1]. Metagenomic sequencing revealed high levels of parvovirus B19 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, blood and pleural effusion[1]. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and supportive care, resulting in improvement in consciousness, mobility, and anemia[1]. Despite treatment, renal function did not recover and the patient eventually required renal replacement therapy[1]. The case highlights the need for heightened suspicion of parvovirus infection in postoperative patients with unexplained anemia and multiorgan dysfunction, as early recognition of atypical infections may improve clinical outcomes[1].