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

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. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.