Background/Aim: Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a recently discovered parvovirus associated with acute respiratory tract infections in children. The aim of this study was to define the epidemiological profile and the clinical characteristics associated with HBoV infection in a population of children hospitalized with respiratory tract infections at Benha University Hospital, especially in terms of HBoV load. Methods: 200 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected and analyzed at the period from September 2010 to July 2011 from children with respiratory manifestations, their ages ranged from 1 month to 12 years. All samples were tested for HBoV DNA by quantitative real time PCR and tested by Ag detection immunofluorescence test for 8 of the most important viruses encountered in lower respiratory tract infections in infants & children namely, Adenovirus(ADV), Influenza A and B (Flu-A and B), Para influenza 1,2 and3 (PIV 1–3), Human metapnuemovirus (HMPV) and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Results: Our results revealed that HBoV was the most prevalent virus 20/200 (10%) followed by RSV (8%) and HMPV (4%). 15/20 (75%) of HBoV+ samples were in co-infection with one of the tested viral agents and the majority of the co-infections, 10/15 (66.7%) were HBoV-RSV co-infection. The mean age of HBoV+ cases was 19.1 months and the majority 14/20 (70%) were under 2 years old. HBoV+ cases were concentrated in the winter season. No significant differences were found in term of age , gender or frequencies of respiratory manifestations between patients with sole HBoV infection and patients with co-infection with other viruses. The median viral load in patients with sole HBoV infection (196x105) was significantly higher than those who had co-infection with other respiratory viruses (0.033x105) (p=0.006). The manifestations observed in patients with serious lower respiratory tract infections, like tachypnea, dyspnea and cyanosis, were significantly presented more frequently in children with high HBoV loads than those with low HBoV load. On conclusion:HBoV is one of the most prevalent respiratory viruses and plays an important role in respiratory illness in children. |
