BOCA VIRUS

Overview & Facts

  • Small (20 nm in size) single-strand DNA non-enveloped virus.
  • A member of the Parvoviridae family with 3 identified strains: HBoV, HBoV-2, and HBoV-3.
  • Found in upper respiratory secretions from acutely ill children.

Types & Symptoms

  • Found in individuals (usually infants, children, and infrequently in young adults) with lower respiratory infections or diarrhea.
    • Acute respiratory Tract Infections), especially in infants and children
    • Cough
    • Wheezing
    • Fever
    • Cyanosis (bluish or grayish tint to skin due to lack of oxygen)
    • Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
    • Diarrhea
    • Vomiting
  • The infants and children with these symptoms often require hospitalization. It is not clear yet that bocavirus is either completely or partially responsible for these signs and symptoms.
    • Pneumonia – major problem

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

  • Physician may do/request:
    • History & Physical Exam
  • Diagnosis by association a
    • Virus has not yet proven to be definitively responsible for a disease state.
  • No commercially available tests for any bocavirus strains.
    • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – used by researchers to detect virus

 

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

  • No treatment, medical or antiviral, that specifically target bocavirus strains.
  • Treatment for relief of symptoms
    • Oxygen
    • Respiratory support
    • Hydration

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