The Human Bocaviruses: A Review and Discussion of Their Role in Infection

Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly recognized human parvovirus first reported in 2005. Since its discovery, this virus has been associated with upper and lower respiratory tract disease and gastroenteritis worldwide. This article is a comprehensive review of what is known about HBoV. It includes an evaluation of diagnostic modalities, symptoms occurring in affected patients, and a discussion as to whether HBoV is responsible for identified clinical manifestations. The article reviews the incidence and effect of coinfection and updates on related members (HBoV-2 and HBoV-3) recently reported. Understanding of respiratory viruses such as HBoV remains vitally important to the health of adult and pediatric patients.