Le diverse facce del parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is classically known as the etiologic agent of Fifth disease, typically characterised by mild symp toms (as fever, myalgias and headache), confluent erythema on the cheeks (“slapped cheeks”) and subsequent symmetri cal reticulated rash on the body. However, in some cases, the B19V rash may have different features and the infection may be associated with potentially serious complications. The paper presents a case of a 5-year-old child with an atyp ical skin manifestation of B19V (pustular rash) and a severe course of infection with cardiac involvement. Although, in most cases the typical skin expression of B19V is Fifth dis ease, the rash may also occur in other forms, such as morbil liform, confluent, vesicular or pustular. Furthermore, the infec tion, usually benign and self-limiting, may be associated with severe manifestations involving multiple organ systems (car diac, neurological, hepatic, and renal)s with need of differ ent treatment strategies (symptomatic, immunoglobulin, corti costeroid, or other forms of care). Early recognition and time ly intervention are critical to improving the outcome of pa tients with B19V-related complications.