Detection of parvovirus B19 in synovial fluids of patients with osteoarthritis

We aimed to determine the possible role of parvovirus B19 (PVB19) in the etiology of osteoarthritis. PVB19 DNA, anti-VP1 IgM and IgG, and interleukin IL-6 levels were also assayed in synovial fluids of 42 patients with osteoarthritis and 10 controls. PVB19 DNA was detected in 28 of 42 (66.66%) in patients and in 3 of 10 (30%) in controls. IgG and IgM response were detected in 21 of 42 (50.00%) and in 2 of 42 (4.76%) patients, respectively. IL-6 were positive in 15 of 42 (36%) patients and in 3 of 10 (30%) controls. All IgG (+) samples had PVB19 DNA (100%, P < 0.001). Eleven of 15 IL-6 (+) samples had PVB19 DNA (+) (73.33%, P < 0.05). Moreover, all IL-6 (+) samples (n = 5) in stage IV had PVB19 DNA (+) (100%, P < 0.001). We have detected a significant association between the stages of osteoarthritis and PVB 19 DNA (P < 0.05). These findings support the presence of PVB 19 acting as a transactivator of IL-6 expression as reported earlier. Our results also suggest that the higher stages of osteoarthritis might be related to the increased inflammation and cell damage on joint cartilage due to PVB19. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.