Identification of human bocaviruses in the cerebrospinal fluid of children hospitalized with encephalitis in China

BackgroundEncephalitis is a major cause of death and disability in adults and children; different members in the family Parvoviridae are known to be associated with encephalitis to some extent.ObjectivesTo determine the presence of human bocaviruses (HBoVs) and corresponding HBoV-specific immunoglobulins (Igs) in cerebrospinal fluid from children with suspected viral encephalitis.Study designEmploying real-time PCR and nested touchdown PCR, 67 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from children with suspected viral encephalitis were screened for HBoV and routine encephalitis-causing viruses. Using ELISA, Western blot and IFA, HBoV-specific Ig were determined in the samples.ResultsNine samples (134%) were HBoV1 DNA-positive, while one sample (15%) was HBoV2 DNA-positive. HBoV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in the CSF samples from three children; two samples were HBoV1 DNA-positive and one sample was negative. One death was recorded; CSF from this child was the only HBoV-IgM-positive CSF samples among the 67 CSF tested.ConclusionWe screened CSF samples obtained from children with encephalitis for the presence of HBoV1 and HBoV2 and specific IgM- or IgG-responses. Detection of viral DNA and/or immunological response to HBoV1/HBoV2 highlights the significance of these viruses as causes of encephalitis in children. Further studies are needed to examine the role of HBoV infection in children encephalitis.