Human bocavirus commonly involved in multiple viral airway infections

Andreas Christensen1, Svein Arne Nordbø, Sidsel Krokstad

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway. andreas.christensen@stolav.no <andreas.christensen@stolav.no>

Insights

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is common in Norwegian children with airway infections. High HBoV viral load correlated with fewer co-infections and more lower respiratory tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Virology
  • Respiratory medicine

Background:

  • Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a recently identified pathogen associated with acute respiratory tract infections in children.
  • This study investigated the prevalence of HBoV in Norwegian pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the occurrence of HBoV in Norwegian children presenting with airway infections.
  • To evaluate the utility of semiquantitative PCR for assessing HBoV clinical relevance.

Main Methods:

  • Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from 376 children admitted to the Department of Pediatrics during the winter season 2006/2007.
  • Real-time PCR was employed to detect HBoV and 16 other respiratory pathogens.

Main Results:

  • HBoV was detected in 12% (45/376) of the samples, with stable prevalence throughout the study period.
  • Multiple viral infections were common (78%), with respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, and human metapneumovirus frequently codetected.
  • High HBoV viral loads were associated with fewer co-infections and a higher incidence of lower respiratory tract infections.

Conclusions:

  • HBoV is frequently detected in pediatric nasopharyngeal aspirates in Norway.
  • Co-infections are common in HBoV-infected children.
  • Semiquantitative PCR provides valuable insights into the clinical significance of HBoV infections.
Abstract

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