Parvovirus B19 infection commonly presents with what feature?

• A. Severe nephritis
• B. Meningitis
• C. Transient polyarthritis
• D. Chronic arthritis

Answer: (C)

Parvovirus B19 often causes a rheumatologic syndrome in adults where the hallmark is a sudden, symmetric arthritis of small joints, especially the hands and wrists. This arthritis is usually self-limited, lasting weeks to a few months, and can occur with or without the classic facial rash seen in children. The arthritis is thought to be immune-mediated and distinguishes itself from chronic inflammatory arthritis by its transient course. While Parvovirus B19 can also cause other issues like aplastic crises in people with hemolytic disorders, it does not typically present with nephritis or meningitis, and the arthritis is not usually chronic. So the best description of the common presentation is transient polyarthritis.