Status epilepticus due to human parvovirus B19 encephalitis in an immunocompetent adult

Human parvovirus (HPV) B19 is a rare cause of encephalitis in children and immunocompromised adults. The authors describe a case of an otherwise healthy woman who developed encephalitis complicated by prolonged status epilepticus. Human parvovirus B19 infection was suggested by a prodromal, malar rash and established by the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in the patient's serum. This is the first reported case of HPV B19 encephalitis in an immunocompetent adult.