What complication can arise from a severe infection caused by human parvovirus B19 in pregnancy?

Severe infections caused by human parvovirus B19 during pregnancy can lead to several serious complications. The virus is known to cause a range of issues, particularly affecting the fetus in various ways.

Fetal anemia occurs because parvovirus B19 can infect and destroy red blood cell precursors in the fetal bone marrow. This leads to a significant decrease in red blood cells, and in severe cases, can result in hydrops fetalis, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in fetal compartments. This condition poses substantial risks to the fetus, including congestive heart failure and, potentially, fetal demise.

Additionally, the risk of miscarriage is heightened with severe infection. Parvovirus B19 can lead to fetal death in cases where the infection is severe enough to cause anemia or hydrops, leading to adverse outcomes.

Moreover, while parvovirus itself is not typically associated with physical birth defects in the same way that teratogenic agents might be, the combination of anemia, hydrops, and the potential for miscarriage highlights the serious impact of the infection during pregnancy.

Given the significant potential for fetal anemia and hydrops, along with the possibility of miscarriage, the answer encompasses all these complications, thereby making the option that includes all of them the most comprehensive