Parvovirus B19 is the only parvovirus that has been clearly linked to human diseases. Since its discovery just over 20 years ago, our understanding of B19 at the molecular, cellular, epidemiological and clinical levels has developed rapidly: today the link between B19 and erythema infectiosum, hydrops fetalis, chronic anaemia and transient aplastic crisis is well established. This book provides the reader with comprehensive and detailed reviews of subjects important to understanding parvovirus B19, including the structure and biochemistry of the virus, the clinical and epidemiological features of infection, the diagnosis of infection, the pathophysiology of disease, the host"s immune response, and treatment and prevention of disease. Its expert contributions make this publication an essential and timely resource for clinicians, epidemiologists and public health policymakers in their endeavour to optimize treatment and prevention. It will also be appreciated by laboratory researchers interested in the physical and biological properties of the virus and the pathogenesis of B19 disease.