Prevalence of Parvovirus B19 Viremia Among German Blood Donations and the Relationship to ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Antigens

Parvovirus B19 can be transmitted via asymptomatic blood donations. In 167 123 donations from Germany screened between 2015-2018 we found 22 positives (0.013%). All infected were from rhesus D-antigen-positive donations, suggesting a protective factor in donors lacking this antigen. Background Asymptomatic blood donors can transmit human parvovirus B19 (B19V). Methods We assessed the B19V prevalence among a large cohort of blood donations collected in Germany during 2015-2018. Results In total, 167 123 donations were screened for B19V deoxyribonucleic acid with 22 cases of viremia identified (0.013% positive). Infections peaked at a 4-year interval and the highest number of cases occurred in the summer months. All 22 infections were found in rhesus D-antigen-positive donations, suggesting a protective factor in donors who lack this antigen. Conclusions These findings contribute to our understanding of risk factors for B19V infection among central European blood and plasma donors.

Automated summary

Parvovirus B19 can be transmitted through asymptomatic blood donations. A study in Germany from 2015-2018 found that 22 out of 167,123 donations (0.013%) were positive for B19V, and all infected individuals were from donations with rhesus D-antigen-positive, suggesting a protective factor in donors lacking this antigen.