Serologically verified human bocavirus pneumonia in children

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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

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

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