Question

All are true about Parvovirus except:

• A. < 10% spread by transplacental route
• B. Spread by respiratory route
• C. It is a DNA virus
• D. Affects erythroid progenitor cells

Hint:

Vertical transmission of B19 in pregnancy is much higher than 10%.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Parvovirus B19 is a small, non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus, so option C is true.
Step 2: Its main mode of spread is via respiratory secretions (droplets), so option B is true.
Step 3: The virus uses the P antigen (globoside) as its receptor and selectively infects erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, causing transient red cell aplasia, so option D is true.
Step 4: When a non-immune woman is infected during pregnancy, transplacental transmission to the fetus is substantial, classically around 30% or more, and can cause hydrops fetalis. Therefore the claim that less than 10% spread by the transplacental route is incorrect.
Conclusion: The false statement is option 1, so the correct answer is option 1, matching the printed key.