[Parvovirus B19 in Adolescents and Adults: A Case Series of Clinical Mimicry].

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 (PvB19), the etiological agent of erythema infectiosum, can manifest in diverse clinical forms. This study underscores the virus's capacity to mimic other diseases, as illustrated by the diagnostic challenges encountered across five cases. The first three cases correspond to an overlap of papulo-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome with petechial exanthema with periflexural and periorificial distribution, the first initially diagnosed as a drug eruption, the second as scarlet fever, and the third as autoimmune thrombocytopenia. The remaining two cases correspond to leukocytoclastic vasculitis that, only after thorough investigation, were associated with Parvovirus B19 infection. This case series emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be alert to this important imitator and be mindful of this differential diagnosis when approaching exanthemas and vasculitis.