Q: Aplastic crisis in Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is triggered by which virus? 


Answer:  Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 has the ability to directly affects RBC precursors upto the point to complete cease its production for two to three days. Normal individual can tolerate this offence but patients with SCD due to their shortened red cell life go into aplastic crisis, marked by remarkable paleness pale appearance, tachycardia  and severe fatigue. Crisis is all hallmarked by reticulocytopenia followed by brisk reticulocytosis. Treatment is supportive and may require transfusion.