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Human Parvovirus & Arthritis

Parvovirus is a group of viruses consisting of several strains or variations. Each strain of parvovirus can infect only certain species. For example, the canine parvovirus can infect only canines such as domesticated dogs, wolves, jackals, foxes and coyotes. Feline parvovirus (panleukopenia) will infect only felines such as domesticated cats, lions, tigers and cheetahs. Parvovirus B19 is a strain that infects only humans and can cause a rash, fever and arthritis-like symptoms.

  1. Parvovirus B19

    • Parvovirus B19 is the first known human parvovirus. It was discovered by scientist Yvonne Cossart in 1975. B19 infections are quite common throughout the world, especially in highly populated areas. This virus is generally associated with fifth disease. Fifth disease is most common in children and can cause cold-like symptoms, a mild rash, fever, headache, excessive tiredness and, less commonly, arthritis. Adults can also become infected by parvovirus B19. Infected adults generally do not develop a rash, but instead show symptoms of arthritis.

    Arthritis

    • Human parvovirus (parvovirus B19) can cause joint pain and inflammation. This type of arthritis is known as viral arthritis. Approximately 80 percent of adults infected with B19 develop viral arthritis. Women are more likely to develop viral arthritis symptoms than men. Children typically do not have joint pain associated with B19 infection. Only about 10 percent of children between the ages of 5 to 15 years old infected with human parvovirus will experience arthritis joint pain.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of arthritis caused by human parvovirus include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. Joints in the hands, fingers, wrists, knees and the ankles are most commonly affected. However, any joint in the body can develop viral arthritis. Arthritis symptoms generally last one to three weeks, but can continue for months or even years in some cases. These symptoms can be mistaken for symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is not enough evidence to link parvovirus B19 with rheumatoid arthritis.

    Causes

    • Human parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be spread through respiratory discharges such as saliva and mucus from the nose. The arthritis symptoms of a B19 infection are thought to be caused by the body's immune system. A part of the B19 virus is thought to be similar in nature to joint tissue. The immune system responds by attacking the joint tissue, causing pain and swelling. This is only a theory, since arthritis symptoms can last long after the virus is gone.

    Treatment

    • Arthritis associated with a B19 infection typically requires little or no treatment, as the symptoms will go away on their own. Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce the pain. Placing hot or cold packs on the affected joints can also ease the pain and swelling. In severe cases where there is great pain and swelling, extracting excess fluid from the joints is necessary to help reduce the pain. Getting plenty of rest and reducing the amount of physical activity is recommended for viral arthritis sufferers.

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