Human Bocavirus Capsid Messenger RNA Detection in Children With Pneumonia

Summary Human bocavirus messenger RNA detection in nasopharyngeal specimens from children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) but not in asymptomatic children undergoing elective outpatient surgery supports the pathogenic role for this virus in CAP and may be a more specific target for diagnostic testing. Abstract Background The role of human bocavirus (HBoV) in respiratory illness is uncertain. HBoV genomic DNA is frequently detected in both ill and healthy children. We hypothesized that spliced viral capsid messenger RNA (mRNA) produced during active replication might be a better marker for acute infection. Methods As part of the Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community (EPIC) study, children aged