A patient with sickle cell disease can experience an aplastic crisis due to which viral infection?

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Aplastic crisis in patients with sickle cell disease is primarily associated with Parvovirus B19 infection. This virus specifically targets erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, leading to a significant reduction in red blood cell production. In patients who already have compromised red blood cell levels due to sickle cell disease, an infection with Parvovirus B19 can precipitate an aplastic crisis, resulting in severe anemia, fatigue, and potentially more serious complications.

While other viral infections listed can cause various health issues, they are not typically linked to the development of aplastic crisis in the context of sickle cell disease. For instance, Varicella can cause complications in sickle cell patients but does not predominantly lead to a direct impact on red blood cell production like Parvovirus B19 does. Rhinovirus and Influenza are respiratory viruses that can lead to respiratory symptoms and other illnesses, but they do not significantly affect the bone marrow's red blood cell production in the same manner. Thus, the unique link between Parvovirus B19 and aplastic crises in sickle cell disease patients makes it the correct answer.

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