Research highlights

• Parvovirus B19 infection can be involved in the pathogenesis of CFS.
• Previous reports described a favourable outcome of CFS associated with B19V by IVIG treatment.
• In our experience the administration of IVIG to a patient suffering of B19V-associated CFS produced a paradoxical exacerbation of the disease.
• The indication of IVIG administration in the treatment of B19V-associated CFS should be carefully reconsidered.

Research abstract

We describe a case of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) associated to Parvovirus B19 infection where administration of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), previously reported as effective, induced a paradoxical clinical response and increased viral replication. The indication of IVIG administration in the treatment of Parvovirus B19-associated CFS should be carefully reconsidered.

Paradoxical response to intravenous immunoglobulin in a case of Parvovirus B19-associated chronic fatigue syndrome, by Luciano Attard et al in Journal of Clinical Virology, Received: September 24, 2014; Received in revised form: November 14, 2014; Accepted: November 17, 2014; Published Online: November 22, 2014