Current features of the epidemic situation with parvovirus B19 infection: analysis of the situation in the Russian Federation and global trends

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Abstract

Objective. Comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological situation with parvovirus B19 infection in the Russian Federation, using Moscow and other countries as examples.

Materials and methods. This article presents a retrospective analysis of anonymized data from the Center for Molecular Diagnostics (CMD) laboratory of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, for 2018–2025. The analysis identified cases of parvovirus infection based on the results of parvovirus B19 DNA PCR testing. The global epidemic situation was analyzed based on publications in international databases and CDC and ECDC reports for 2024–2025. Standard descriptive statistical methods (calculation of means and proportions) were used.

Results. From January 2018 to August 2025, 2,066 positive laboratory results for parvovirus B19 DNA PCR were obtained. Parvovirus infection incidence had a pronounced seasonal pattern, peaking in April–June, with peak activity observed in May. The highest proportion of cases occurred in children aged 0-7 years, while the lowest proportion occurred in elderly patients. Women were more frequently affected. Among all annual PCR tests for parvovirus DNA conducted at the CMD laboratory, the proportion of positive PCR tests ranged from 12-15% during the pandemic (2021-2022) to 38.4% (2023), indicating a true increase in incidence, not just an increase in testing.

Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrate a resumption of active circulation of parvovirus B19 after the decline associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and are consistent with the global trend of increasing incidence in 2023-2024. It is necessary to strengthen epidemiological surveillance for the spread of parvovirus B19 infection, especially in the spring and summer, and develop targeted preventive measures for key at-risk groups – young children and pregnant women.

About the authors

Irina A. Lizinfeld

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education

Author for correspondence.
Email: irinalizinfeld@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8114-1002

Cand. Med. Sci., Consultant, Organizational and Methodological Department, Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

Natalya Yu. Pshenichnaya

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute

Email: natalia-pshenichnaya@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2570-711X

МD, Professor, Deputy Director for Clinical and Analytical Work, Head, Department of Infectious Diseases, Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow; Moscow

Gor A. Mardoyan

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being

Email: mardoian@cmd.su
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-9101-8638

1C Programmer

Russian Federation, Moscow

Vasily G. Akimkin

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being

Email: vgakimkin@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4228-9044

Academician of the Russian Academy, МD, Professor, Director

Russian Federation, Moscow

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