Parvovirus B19 polyarthritis

Q: What virus can cause arthritis in an adult?

A: Parvovirus B19 infection can cause polyarthritis and a pure red-cell aplasia. The arthritis is generally polyarticular, with a predilection for involvement of the small joints.

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Teaching topics from the New England Journal of Medicine - Vol. 358, No. 23, June 5, 2008