Parvovirus-induced autoimmune hepatitis: First case in the literature

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 infection is usually self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals. Twenty-five percent of infected individuals are completely asymptomatic during infection, with 50% of them presenting flu-like symptoms and the remaining patients presenting erythema infectiosum, arthralgia, or arthritis. More rarely, transient aplastic crisis is seen in individuals with chronic haemolytic disorders. Chronic pure red cell aplasia and aplastic anaemia may also be observed in immunocompromised patients. There is sufficient evidence in the literature suggesting that B19 infections can also cause a spectrum of liver diseases, ranging from elevated transaminase levels to acute hepatitis, fulminant liver failure, and even chronic hepatitis. This case report discusses a patient with acute parvovirus infection and newly diagnosed autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and the role of this viral infection in the disease.