Human Bocavirus Infections in Hospitalized Children and Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jean Longtin, Martine Bastien, Rodica Gilca, Eric Leblanc, Gaston de Serres, Michel G. Bergeron, Guy Boivin
Primary Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec
Hypothesis
The pathogenic role of human bocavirus (HBoV) in infected children is unclear.
Conclusion
HBoV was frequently detected in both symptomatic and asymptomatic children, but rarely found in adults, suggesting it may not be pathogenic in acute respiratory infections.
Supporting Evidence
- HBoV was detected in 1 (0.8%) of 126 symptomatic adults.
- HBoV was found in 31 (13.8%) of 225 symptomatic children.
- HBoV was detected in 43 (43%) of 100 asymptomatic children undergoing elective surgery.
- Another virus was detected in 22 (71%) of the 31 HBoV-positive NPAs from symptomatic children.
- The median age of symptomatic children with HBoV infection was significantly greater than that of symptomatic children without HBoV infection.
Takeaway
Doctors looked for a virus called human bocavirus in kids and adults with breathing problems. They found it a lot in kids, but not in adults, which means it might not make people sick.
Methodology
The study analyzed nasopharyngeal aspirates from hospitalized children and adults for HBoV DNA using PCR methods.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study design and the selection of control groups.
Limitations
The study did not quantify HBoV DNA load and may not represent the full spectrum of clinical diseases associated with HBoV.
Participant Demographics
Included children <3 years hospitalized for acute respiratory tract infections and adults >40 years with COPD.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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