Parvovirus B19-induced anemia in renal transplantation: a role for rHuEPO in resistance to classical treatment

Abstract

Human parvovirus B19 (PVB 19) is responsible for pure red cell aplasia in immunocompromised patients, and particularly solid organ recipients. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have been shown to be efficient to achieve the correction of anemia in association with the reduction of immunosuppression. We report a case of kidney transplant recipient with PVB 19-induced anemia that did not respond to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and to a first course of IVIG. After discontinuation of rHuEPO, a second course of IVIG was successful with the resolution of anemia. We discuss the role of rHuEPO that may facilitate PVB 19 replication in erythropoietin-sensitive human erythroid progenitor cells.