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Human bocavirus in an immunocompromised child presenting with severe diarrhea

Jutte J C de Vries1, Robbert G M Bredius, Patrick F van Rheenen

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Section Clinical Virology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. jjcdevries@lumc.nl

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|February 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Human bocavirus (HBoV) can cause severe illness in immunocompromised children. This case highlights HBoV-associated hypovolemic shock from disseminated infection, emphasizing the need for awareness in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

  • Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a common pathogen in children, typically causing respiratory illness.
  • The role of HBoV in immunocompromised individuals, particularly regarding severe disease, remains poorly understood.

Observation:

  • A case of a child with a compromised immune system presented with severe, life-threatening hypovolemic shock.
  • The child experienced significant diarrhea as a primary symptom.

Findings:

  • Disseminated infection with Human bocavirus (HBoV) was identified as the cause of the severe symptoms.
  • The HBoV infection led to hypovolemic shock, a critical condition characterized by dangerously low blood volume.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for HBoV to cause severe, systemic disease in immunocompromised patients.
  • Increased clinical suspicion and diagnostic consideration for HBoV are warranted in immunocompromised children presenting with severe diarrhea and shock.

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