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Human metapneumovirus and human bocavirus associated with respiratory infection in Apulian population

M Guido1, M Quattrocchi, A Campa

  • 1Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy. marcello.guido@unisalento.it

Virology
|June 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Human bocavirus (hBoV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are frequently detected in respiratory tract infections, particularly in adults and the elderly. Co-infections are common, especially in children, highlighting their role in influenza-like illness.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose a significant public health challenge globally.
  • Influenza-like illness (ILI) is often caused by a combination of viral pathogens.
  • The etiological roles of human bocavirus (hBoV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and influenza A and B (InfA-B) in ILI require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of hBoV, hMPV, and InfA-B in an Apulian population experiencing RTIs.
  • To determine the co-infection rates among these viruses.
  • To assess the contribution of hBoV and hMPV to ILI.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of 116 oropharyngeal swabs from patients with ILI during the 2008-2009 influenza season.
  • Detection of hBoV, hMPV, and InfA-B using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • Sequencing of hMPV M and hBoV NP-1 genes for genetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • 78 out of 116 (67.2%) samples tested positive for at least one respiratory virus.
  • hBoV was detected in 53 (45.7%), hMPV in 22 (19.0%), and InfA-B in 41 (35.3%) samples.
  • High rates of hBoV infection were observed in adults (18.9%) and the elderly (26.4%).
  • Co-infection rates were higher for hMPV (81.8%) and InfA-B (61.0%) compared to hBoV (49.1%).
  • Co-infections were particularly common in children.
  • Genetic analysis revealed hBoV samples belonged to genotype hBoV1, and hMPV samples clustered with the A2 subgroup.

Conclusions:

  • hBoV and hMPV are significant contributors to influenza-like illness in the studied population.
  • The high prevalence in adults and elderly, along with frequent co-infections, underscores their clinical importance.
  • Further research into the epidemiology and clinical impact of these viruses is warranted.

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