Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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
Serologically verified human bocavirus pneumonia in children
Massimiliano Don1, Maria Söderlund-Venermo, Francesca Valent
1Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, DPMSC, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. max.don@libero.it
Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 5, 2009
Summary
Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a common cause of pediatric pneumonia, with seropositivity increasing with age. This study found HBoV induced significant antibody responses in children with community-acquired pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Human bocavirus (HBoV), a novel parvovirus, is frequently detected in children with respiratory and intestinal infections.
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant cause of childhood illness globally.
- Understanding the etiology of pediatric CAP is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the role of HBoV in pediatric CAP using a new antibody assay.
- To determine the seropositivity rate of HBoV in North-Italian children.
- To investigate the association between HBoV infection and pneumonia severity.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study enrolled 124 children with presumptive pneumonia over 15 months.
- Radiological confirmation was obtained for 101 cases of CAP.
- Antibody assays, including a new enzyme immunoassay for HBoV, were used to identify etiological agents.
Main Results:
- Serological evidence of acute HBoV infection was found in 12% of children with CAP.
- HBoV was the second most frequent viral cause of CAP, identified in 12% of cases.
- Seropositivity to HBoV increased with age, nearing 100% before school age.
Conclusions:
- HBoV elicits significant antibody responses, indicating its pathogenic potential.
- HBoV is a common contributor to pediatric pneumonia, with seroconversion typically occurring in early childhood.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate HBoV's role in respiratory infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...