Human Bocavirus: A New Cause of Respiratory Infections and Gastroenteritis

Symptoms and Signs

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly identified pathogen that can cause upper and lower respiratory infections usually in children. Symptoms and signs of bocavirus infection include cough, fever, and runny nose. The symptomatic disease affects the very young between ages 6 and 24 months.

Other Infections

HBoV can also cause gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, HBoV can also cause the common cold.

Adults Less Likely to be Affected

Bocaviruses can infect adults, but adults seem much less likely to have symptoms. This may be because adults have developed immunity to HBoV from previous infections.

Role in Co-infections

By comparing signs and symptoms between HBoV-1 single infections and HBoV-1 co-infections its pathogenic role becomes clearer especially in young.