Immunoglobulin G and M antibodies to human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) are frequently detected in patients with HIV-1 infection

BackgroundThe transmission routes of PARV4 are not completely understood. The first PARV4 serological study suggested that PARV4 is transmitted predominantly through parenteral route.ObjectivesTo set up an immunoblot system for studying the epidemiology of PARV4 infection in HIV-1 infected patients in Taiwan.Study designRecombinant fusion proteins SUMOVP2 (a.a. 272–630 of PARV4 open reading frame 2) and SUMOVP3 (a.a. 604–914) were made and used as antigens in immunoblot. Plasma samples were from HIV-1 infected intravenous drug users IDU (69), homosexuals (66) and heterosexuals (68).ResultsPARV4 IgG seropositive rate was 73.9%, 71.2% and 58.8%; IgM seropositive rate was 40.5%, 16.7% and 17.6% in IDUs, homosexuals and heterosexuals, respectively. Longitudinal samples were available from two homosexuals positive for IgM anti-PARV4, persistent IgM response was found over a period of 9 and 21 months, respectively.ConclusionsPARV4 is a common viral infection in HIV-1 infected homosexuals and heterosexuals in Taiwan. The detection of IgM anti-PARV4 does not always suggest recent PARV4 infection.