It has been suggested that human bocavirus (HBoV) is related to acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children (prevalence: 0.9% to 33%) although clinical characteristics have not been clearly established yet.
Objectives: To identify the presence of HBoV in patients with ARI hospitalized in Hospital de Niños de Córdoba and describe cases without co-infection.
Method: HBoV screening was done by traditional PCR. Specimens to be screened were obtained from nasal secretions of 222 children under 2 years of age hospitalized due to an ARI during 2011. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were recorded.
Results: Fifteen HBoV+ patients (6.8%) were identified. Their median age was 3.5 months (range: 1-22), 7/15 in co-infection (5 respiratory syncytial virus, 1 parainfuenza-3, 1 Bordetella pertussis). Cases without co-infection: pneumonia 5/8, bronchiolitis 3/8; two required intermediate care, 7/8 oxygen therapy, 7/8 bronchodilators, 6/8 antibiotics; associated disease 1/8 (microcephalus/heart disease).
Conclusions: HBoV was identified in 15 out of 222 children (6.8%); the diagnosis of pneumonia was predominant without severe cases nor complications upon discharge.