Immunoglobulin G and M antibodies to human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) are frequently detected in patients with HIV-1 infection

Background: The transmission routes of PARV4 are not completely understood. The first PARV4 serological study suggested that PARV4 is transmitted predominantly through parenteral route. Objectives: To set up an immunoblot system for studying the epidemiology of PARV4 infection in HIV-1 infected patients in Taiwan. Study design: Recombinant fusion proteins SUMOVP2 (a.a. 272-630 of PARV4 open reading frame 2) and SUMOVP3 (a.a. 604-914) were made and used as antigens in immunoblot. Plasma samples were from HIV-1 infected intravenous drug users IDU (69), homosexuals (66) and heterosexuals (68). Results: PARV4 IgG seropositive rate was 73.9%, 71.2% and 58.8%; IgM seropositive rate was 40.5%, 16.7% and 17.6% in IDUs, homosexuals and heterosexuals, respectively. Longitudinal samples were available from two homosexuals positive for IgM anti-PARV4, persistent IgM response was found over a period of 9 and 21 months, respectively. Conclusions: PARV4 is a common viral infection in HIV-1 infected homosexuals and heterosexuals in Taiwan. The detection of IgM anti-PARV4 does not always suggest recent PARV4 infection. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.