Parvovirus B19 infection associated with the production of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and anticardiolipin antibody (aCL)

We described four patients who had clinical diagnosis of erythema infectiosum and presented with skin rash, polyarthralgia, polyarthritis, and mild fever. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies were found in all four patients and parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in three of the four patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in sera using standard methods. Anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) was positive in three of the four patients included three with anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI). The immunoglobulin isotype of aCL was found to be IgM. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) included three p-ANCA and one c-ANCA was detected in all four patients by indirect immunofluoresence (IIF). Both anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies were found in two patients whom had polyarthritis for more than 6 months. These data indicate parvovirus B19 may be linked to the induction of an autoimmune response.