Prevalence and Pathogenicity of WU and KI Polyomaviruses in Children
Author Information
Author(s): van der Zalm Marieke M., Rossen John W. A., van Ewijk Bart E., Wilbrink Berry, van Esch Petra C.H.M., Wolfs Tom F.W., van der Ent Cornelis K.
Primary Institution: Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital at University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
Whether WU and KI polyomaviruses occur in healthy children and their role as causative agents for clinical respiratory disease.
Conclusion
WU and KI polyomaviruses are frequently present in young children and may have pathogenic potential in respiratory disease.
Supporting Evidence
- WUPyV was found in 9% of samples and KIPyV in 3%.
- Both viruses were detected in symptomatic children with no other pathogens.
- Most infections occurred in children under 4 years of age.
Takeaway
This study found that two new viruses, WU and KI, are common in young kids and might make them sick.
Methodology
A longitudinal study collected samples from children with and without respiratory symptoms over a 6-month period to test for WU and KI polyomaviruses.
Limitations
The study did not test for other respiratory viruses like parainfluenza and human bocavirus, which could also be present.
Participant Demographics
Children aged less than 1 to 7 years, with a mean age of 3.4 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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