Studies Point to Bocavirus Being Enteric, Seasonal

The bocavirus was associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in two cases, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in one case, and human metapneumovirus in one case.

In all, there were 16 cases of M. pneumoniae (12%), 12 cases of RSV (9%), 4 cases of influenza A (3%), 1 case of influenza B, and 1 case of parainfluenza III. Three of 90 children (3%) tested positive for human metapneumovirus, the investigators reported at the meeting, which was sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology.

As was observed in other studies, Dr. Gendrel said in an interview that there was a seasonal variation to the virus, with more cases identified in winter and spring. Dr. Gendrel is with the Pediatric Department, Paris 5 University and Medical School, Hospital St. Vincent de Paul-Cochin, Paris, according to the poster.