ELISAs using human bocavirus VP2 virus-like particles for detection of antibodies against HBoV

Abstract

Human bocavirus (HBoV) has been identified worldwide in children with lower respiratory tract infections with an incidence of approximately 2% −11%. The role of HBoV in pathogenesis, however, is largely unknown, and little is known about the epidemiology of the virus. To study the seroepidemiology of HBoV infection, the capsid protein was expressed in insect cells. Expression of the putative major capsid protein VP2 in insect cells led to the formation of virus-like particles exhibiting the typical icosahedral appearance of parvoviruses with a diameter of approximately 20 nm. The expressed particles were used to establish an ELISA method, and serum samples from groups of children of various ages in China were tested for IgG antibodies against HBoV. HBoV antibodies were detected in as high as 36% of healthy children under 9 years. Of children hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections, 31% were seropositive, and all age groups of these children showed a significantly higher level of HBoV IgG antibody than their healthy counterparts. When divided into age cohorts, results showed that more than 48% of healthy children had seroconverted by age of 4. Thus, HBoV appears to be a common infection in children. The potential pathogenesis of this virus, especially its role in lower respiratory tract infections in children warrants further investigation.

Human Metapneumovirus and Human Bocavirus in Children

“…Lin et al (49) manufactured virus-like particles (VLPs) based on the VP2 gene segment, and used these VLPs as the antigenic component for an ELISA-based serologic assay. Using this assay, they found VP2-specific antibodies were present in 13% of healthy children from 13-24 mo of age, with a gradual increase to a maximum of 48% of children at 4 -9 y of age.…”

Molecular Characterization of Infectious Clones of the Minute Virus of Canines Reveals Unique Features of Bocaviruses

“…fected with HBoV as early as 3 months of age, and most infections occurred before 1 year of age (25,33,34,38). Isolation and culture of the virus have not been reported so far.…”

Development of a Real-Time PCR Assay for Detecting and Quantifying Human Bocavirus 2

“…Human bocavirus (HBoV), in the genus Bocavirus, was discovered recently and is detected frequently in nasopharyngeal aspirate, fecal, urine, and blood samples from children with respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infections (1,2,15,18,20). Serology studies demonstrated that most children and elderly people have been exposed to HBoV (4,9,12,14). Although current data suggest that HBoV is the second parvovirus pathogenic in humans, it is very difficult to prove this without animal and cell models of HBoV.…”