Human Bocavirus in Tonsillar Lymphocytes
Author Information
Author(s): Lu Xiaoyan, Gooding Linda R., Erdman Dean D.
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is human bocavirus present in tonsillar lymphocytes?
Conclusion
The study suggests that human bocavirus may establish latent or persistent infections in mucosal lymphocytes or contribute to tonsillar hyperplasia in young children.
Supporting Evidence
- HBoV DNA was detected in lymphocytes from 53 (32.3%) children.
- HBoV was more often detected in adenoid specimens (56%) than tonsil specimens (16%).
- Children PCR negative for HBoV were significantly older (median age 5.5 years).
- HBoV was present at a substantially higher load in adenoids than tonsils.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether a virus called human bocavirus is found in the tonsils of children. They found it in many of the samples, which might explain why some kids have surgery for their tonsils.
Methodology
DNA extracts of lymphocytes were tested for HBoV DNA using PCR from tonsils and adenoids of patients undergoing surgery.
Potential Biases
The selection of controls may have introduced bias due to their unique clinical characteristics.
Limitations
Data on whether children had concurrent respiratory tract illness were not available.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 5 years, with a range from 1 to 19.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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