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Human bocavirus: a cause of severe asthma exacerbation in children

Christelle Vallet1, Charlotte Pons-Catalano, Alexis Mandelcwajg

  • 1Pediatric Unit, Paris Descartes University and AP-HP Saint Vincent de Paul-Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Human bocavirus (HBoV) significantly impacts severe asthma exacerbations in children. Detection rates were higher in hospitalized children with severe asthma compared to those with stable asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Virology
  • Asthma Research

Background:

  • Asthma exacerbations in children represent a significant healthcare burden.
  • The role of specific viral pathogens in severe asthma exacerbations requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between human bocavirus (HBoV) and severe asthma exacerbations in children.
  • To compare HBoV prevalence in children with acute severe asthma versus stable asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect HBoV.
  • Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens were analyzed from children hospitalized for severe asthma exacerbation and ambulatory children with stable asthma.

Main Results:

  • Human bocavirus (HBoV) was detected in 13% (21/166) of children hospitalized with severe asthma exacerbation.
  • HBoV was found in only 2% (1/50) of ambulatory children with stable asthma, indicating a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions:

  • Human bocavirus (HBoV) is frequently detected in children experiencing severe asthma exacerbations.
  • These findings suggest a potential causal role for HBoV in triggering acute severe asthma attacks in pediatric populations.

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