parvo

Parvo, short for parvovirus, refers to a group of small, non-enveloped DNA viruses in the family Parvoviridae. They have linear single-stranded genomes and an icosahedral capsid. The term commonly denotes viruses that affect humans and animals, notably canine parvovirus (CPV) and parvovirus B19 in humans.

In dogs, CPV infection causes severe gastroenteritis, especially in puppies. Symptoms include vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and fever. The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal without prompt care. In humans, parvovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) in children and may cause arthralgia in adults; it can trigger anemia in people with underlying red blood cell problems or in fetuses if pregnant.

Transmission varies: CPV spreads via fecal-oral contamination and contaminated environments; B19 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and can cross the placenta. Diagnosis uses laboratory tests such as PCR to detect viral DNA or serology to detect antibodies.

There is no widely available antiviral treatment specific to parvoviruses; management is supportive, with fluids, electrolyte management, and treatment of complications. Prevention for CPV relies on vaccination, good hygiene, and isolation during outbreaks; prevention for B19 is largely via public health measures and maternal-fetal monitoring when necessary.

Parvoviruses are distributed worldwide. CPV emerged in the late 1970s and has since become endemic in many dog populations; B19 is common worldwide, with most people exposed during childhood.