A Retrospective Study of Human Bocavirus Infection in Patients at Ramathibodi Hospital between 2012 to 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2026.33Keywords:
bocavirus, retrospective study, Ramathibodi hospitalAbstract
Bocavirus (BoV) has been identified as a significant causative agent of respiratory infections, particularly in young children. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of BoV infection and to investigate the factors associated with it, including gender, age group, type of sample, and the period of the COVD-19 outbreak. The study focused on patients whose samples were analysed at the Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, between 2012 and 2022. The present study demonstrates that 1,774 individuals were infected with the BoV, representing 4.24% of all cases. The period of greatest incidence of outbreaks occurs from June to August, with the highest number of cases of BoV infections occurring in July of each year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between children under 12 years of age and BoV infection compared to the elderly group. The group with the highest risk was toddlers (Adjusted OR=21.28, 95% CI=14.12-32.07), followed by newborns and infants (Adjusted OR=16.01, 95% CI=10.53-24.32), preschoolers (Adjusted OR=7.23, 95% CI=4.60-11.37), and school-aged children (Adjusted OR=2.51, 95% CI=1.37-4.62), in that order. Moreover, the period following the emergence of the novel strain of the virus was found to be significantly associated with a 1.61-fold increase in detected cases (Adjusted OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.25-2.08). The present study found no statistically significant association between gender and the type of respiratory sample, and the presence of the BoV. This retrospective study, encompassing a 10-year period, is poised to furnish pivotal baseline data, facilitating the identification of high-risk groups, the prediction of seasonal disease patterns, and the enhancement of comprehension regarding the BoV. This facilitates the utilisation of the aforementioned information for the purpose of preparing for and implementing preventive measures, in addition to the promotion of knowledge in surveillance for the more effective control of BoV infection.
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