Pediatric hospitalization of acute respiratory tract infections with Human Bocavirus in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Human Bocavirus (HBoV) has recently been identified and implicated as an aetiologic agent of lower respiratory tract infection in children. Objectives The prevalence of HBoV and clinical manifestations of children hospitalized for acute respiratory illness in Hong Kong were determined. Study design 1906 non-duplicate nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained from children aged >1 month to 15 years of age hospitalized with respiratory tract infections during a 13-month period were investigated for the presence of HBoV by PCR. These children were admitted to the general pediatric wards in a teaching and tertiary Hong Kong hospital in a prospective study for surveillance of acute respiratory illness. Results Human Bocavirus was detected in 5.0% (95/1906) of nasopharyngeal aspirates by PCR. The percentage was highest in 25–36 months group (12%). Seasonal distribution was noted from September to February. Co-infection with human parainfluenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus was present in 16% and 3% of cases, respectively. Gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea were common, besides respiratory symptoms and fever. Conclusions HBoV plays an important role in hospitalized children ≤3 years with upper and lower respiratory tract infections in Hong Kong.