Background: Human parvovirus B19 may cross the placenta and result in fetal infection, morbidity and death. We present here a case of newborn infant with severe anemia who died from human parvovirus B19 infection.

Methods: Analysis was made based on the clinical presentations. According to the case history, physical and laboratory findings, neonatal severe anemia induced by parvovirus B19 infection was suggested; autopsy and pathological examination were performed on the infant subsequently.

Results: The hemoglobin level was significantly low at 19 g/L. The infant died after emergency treatment and was subjected to autopsy. The diagnostic nuclear inclusion for parvovirus B19 infection were observed in the marrow, liver, spleen, and placenta under the light microscope.

Conclusion: Clinical presentation and pathological studies all indicated that the infant was infected with parvovirus B19.

Key words: human parvovirus B19; neonate; infection; anemia

                 World J Pediatr 2007;3(3):232-235