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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Human bocavirus infections in hospitalized children and adults

Jean Longtin1, Martine Bastien, Rodica Gilca

  • 1Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Human bocavirus (HBoV) DNA was detected in children and adults with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Its role in RTIs remains uncertain due to frequent detection in asymptomatic children and co-infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Human bocavirus (HBoV) has been associated with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) primarily in children.
  • Limited data exists on HBoV prevalence and role in adult respiratory illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of HBoV DNA in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) from both symptomatic children and adults, and asymptomatic children.
  • To explore the potential pathogenic role of HBoV in respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

  • Detection of HBoV DNA using PCR in NPAs collected during winter 2002-2003 in Canada.
  • Samples were obtained from adults with chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, hospitalized children with acute RTIs, and asymptomatic children undergoing elective surgery.
  • Co-infections with other viruses were also assessed.

Main Results:

  • HBoV DNA was found in 0.8% of symptomatic adults, 13.8% of symptomatic children, and a significant 43% of asymptomatic children.
  • HBoV was frequently detected alongside other respiratory viruses in symptomatic children (71% of HBoV-positive cases).
  • Two distinct clades of HBoV were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The pathogenic role of HBoV in pediatric RTIs is uncertain due to its high prevalence in asymptomatic children.
  • Co-detection with other viruses complicates the attribution of HBoV as the sole causative agent of RTIs.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate HBoV's specific contribution to respiratory disease.

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