Mutations in domain V of Mycoplasma pneumoniae 23S rRNA and clinical characteristics of pediatric M. pneumoniae pneumonia in Nanjing,China

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of mutations in domain V of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the clinical characteristics of pediatric MP pneumonia (MPP) in Nanjing, China.MethodsDomain V of 23S rRNA was sequenced in MP strains collected from children diagnosed with MPP in Nanjing. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained.ResultsAmong the 276 MP strains, 255 (92.39%) harbored mutations, primarily A2063G in domain V of MP 23S rRNA. When children were stratified according to the presence or absence of mutations, no significant differences were found in sex, age, the MP DNA load at enrollment, lymphocyte counts, pulmonary complications, immunomodulator levels, fever duration, the duration of fever after macrolide therapy, and hospital stay. The prevalence of refractory MPP in the two groups was similar. Children with refractory MPP exhibited higher MP DNA loads than those with non-refractory MPP.ConclusionsDespite the high prevalence of the A2063G mutation in domain V of MP 23S rRNA, mutations were not associated with the clinical characteristics of MPP. The MP DNA load significantly differed between refractory and non-refractory MPP.     

胸腺活化调节趋化因子在儿童肺炎支原体感染致哮喘发作中的作用

目的 研究胸腺活化调节趋化因子(TARC)在儿童肺炎支原体(MP)感染致哮喘发作中的作用。方法 收集肺炎患儿73例(支气管哮喘患儿除外)。在入院时(急性期)采集静脉血用被动凝集法检测MP-IgM并用间接免疫荧光法检测其他7种呼吸病原体IgM, 并于－70 ℃保存部分血清;采集咽拭子用荧光定量-聚合酶链反应检测MP-DNA。根据临床诊断和MP-IgM或MP-DNA拷贝数分为MP感染组和非MP感染组。在病情明显好转时(恢复期), 对伴有哮喘发作的患儿采静脉血分离血清, 置于－70 ℃保存。采用酶联免疫吸附试验测定患儿血清中TARC的水平。评价血清中TARC水平在两组患儿之间以及急性期和恢复期之间的差异性。结果 MP感染组患儿中有哮喘发作的比例高于非MP感染组, 差异有统计学意义(2=4.44, P=0.04)。MP感染组患儿的TARC水平高于非感染组, 差异有统计学意义(t=4.01, P=0.00)。MP感染组, 有哮喘发作患儿的TARC水平高于非MP感染组有哮喘发作患儿和无哮喘发作患儿, 差异有统计学意义(t=2.62, P=0.01;t=5.21, P=0.00);TARC水平无哮喘发作患儿的高于非MP感染组无哮喘发作患儿, 差异有统计学意义(t=2.07, P=0.05)。MP感染组和非MP感染组, 有哮喘发作患儿的TARC水平均高于无哮喘发作患儿, 差异有统计学意义(t=2.11, P=0.04;t=2.03, P=0.05);有哮喘发作患儿恢复期的TARC水平较急性期均有下降, 差异有统计学意义(t=4.69, P=0.00;t=2.37, P=0.05)。结论 TARC在MP感染诱发哮喘发作中起重要作用。     

Total and double-stranded DNA-specific immunoglobulin E in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children with human adenovirus pneumonia

BackgroundSome antibodies and autoreactive antibodies are associated with the severity of infectious diseases. The roles of humoral responses to lung inflammation in children with human adenovirus (HAdVs) pneumonia remain unknown.Patients and methodsA retrospective study was done to compare plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels between HAdVs pneumonia patients and healthy children by searching the electronic medical record system of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Then, a prospective study was performed for children with HAdVs pneumonia who needed flexible bronchoscopy for examination and treatment purposes during July 2017 to July 2019. We examined the IgE and autoreactive IgE levels in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these children to explore their role in HAdVs pneumonia.ResultsA significantly higher level of IgE was found in plasma from children hospitalized with HAdVs pneumonia compared with that from healthy children in the same age range. Furthermore, the levels of IgE, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and double-stranded DNA-specific immunoglobulin E (dsDNA-IgE) in BALF were increased compared to plasma in children with HAdVs pneumonia. The levels of IgE, dsDNA, and dsDNA-IgE in BALF were significantly higher in the severe group compared to the non-severe group. The ability of IgE in BALF to recognize dsDNA was verified by the ELISPOT test.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that IgE and dsDNA-IgE in BALF may contribute to lung injury caused by HAdVs, especially in severe cases. Elevated dsDNA-IgE may serve as an indicator of severity in children with HAdVs pneumonia.     

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody among healthy blood donors: a single centre study

BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2(SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of corona virus disease-2019(COVID- 19) which has led to a global pandemic. The true extent of the burden of COVID-19 may be underestimated, and there is need to know the current prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in population.MethodsThe present study was a cross-sectional study to assess prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody among 586 healthy voluntary blood donors who donated whole blood between mid-December 2020 to January 2021. A chemiluminescence assay was used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody in serum samples in addition to recommended transfusion transmitted infections tests and Signal to Cut Off (S/C) > 1 was considered as reactive for antibody as per manufacturer’s instructions.ResultsIn the present study, 586 healthy voluntary blood donors were enrolled and were screened for SARS- CoV-2 IgG antibody. Out of 586 donors, 52 donors had indeterminate values of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody. A total of 534 healthy voluntary blood donors’ samples were included in the present study for analysis. Out of total 534 healthy blood donors, 42.88% (229) were found to be seropositive while 57.11% (305) were found to be seronegative.ConclusionA 43% positivity of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody among healthy blood donors was detected which is an indication of presence of infection at community level and majority of the population already has been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there was no statistically significant association of type of blood group and age with seropositivity.     

成人非典型社区获得性肺炎患者病原体感染情况分析

目的分析肺炎支原体(MP)等经典微生物引起的非典型肺炎患者的实验室检查结果,为临床诊治提供参考。方法采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qPCR)检测188例成人社区获得性肺炎患者急性期咽拭子和/或痰液样本中的MP、肺炎衣原体和嗜肺军团菌,分析每位患者的临床资料、实验室指标、影像学检查结果。结果MP核酸检测阳性41例(21.8%),肺炎衣原体核酸检测阳性1例(0.5%),未检出嗜肺军团菌;细菌培养阳性23例(12.23%)。MP阳性患者年龄较阴性患者小,较少伴有基础疾病,肺部以单侧受累为主,其他临床症状和实验室相关指标差异均无统计学意义。秋季、冬季MP阳性率明显高于春季、夏季(P<0.05)。结论MP是成人社区获得性肺炎的主要病原体,qPCR对MP急性感染的早期诊断具有明显的优势。     

Preliminary study of microparticle coagulation properties in septic patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation

BackgroundSepsis typically results in enhanced coagulation system activation and microthrombus formation. Microparticle (MP) production promotes coagulation and enhances pro-coagulation. This study investigated how circulating MP levels and tissue factor-bearing MP (TF+-MP) activity caused coagulation in patients with septic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).MethodsThirty patients with septic DIC and 30 healthy controls were studied from December 2017 to March 2019. Patient blood samples were collected at enrolment (day 1) and on days 3 and 5; DIC scores and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were recorded. TF+-MP activity was measured using TF-dependent factor Xa generation experiments. Circulating MP concentrations were determined by MP capture assay. Clotting factor activity, antithrombin level, soluble thrombomodulin, and serum tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) concentrations were measured.ResultsPatients with septic DIC had lower circulating MP levels than healthy control patients. Circulating MP levels in patients with septic DIC were positively correlated with DIC scores and negatively correlated with coagulation factors, but TF+-MP activity did not correlate with clotting factor levels and TFPI.ConclusionsIn patients with septic DIC, circulating MP levels are important in promoting coagulation activation and increasing clotting factor consumption. TF+-MP activity may not be the main form of active TF.     

肺炎支原体感染患儿血清腺苷脱氨酶及C反应蛋白的变化分析

目的探讨肺炎支原体(MP)感染患儿血清腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)活性与C反应蛋白(CRP)水平的变化,以评估其细胞免疫状态,并探讨其临床意义。方法选取325例呼吸道感染患儿,将94例血清MP-IgM阳性患儿作为肺炎支原体感染组(阳性组),将231例阴性患儿作为非支原体感染组(阴性组),此外选取32名正常体检儿童作为对照组,检测3组ADA活性及CRP水平。结果阳性组患儿的ADA活性明显高于阴性组和对照组(P<0.001),阴性组和对照组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。阴性组CRP水平明显高于阳性组与对照组(P<0.01),阳性组与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论同时检测患儿血清ADA和CRP水平可作为鉴别诊断MP感染的指标,有助于评价疗效。     

儿童肺炎支原体肺炎与肺炎支原体合并链球菌感染肺炎的胸部CT表现及其鉴别

目的探讨肺炎支原体肺炎(MP)和肺炎支原体合并链球菌感染肺炎(MP+SP)的影像学表现差异,为临床早期鉴别单纯MP及MP+SP提供帮助。方法回顾性分析经血清学及血培养证实的23例单纯MP和23例MP+SP患儿的胸部CT图像,分别对病变分布、病变形态及合并症(如肺气肿、胸腔积液、淋巴结肿大等)进行比较及统计学分析。结果与MP+SP比较,单纯MP多表现为肺间质病变,包括支气管壁增厚、磨玻璃影、网状影及支气管血管束增厚(P<0.05);而MP+SP则以肺实变影为主,且胸腔积液量及肿大淋巴结直径均大于单纯MP患儿(P<0.05)。从病变形态上看,单纯MP的肺内阴影多为自内向外,呈扇形分布的薄片影;MP+SP则多为无分布规律的大片实变影。结论单纯MP表现为在较少肺实变基础上合并较明显的肺间质改变;而MP+SP的肺泡炎症程度较重,片状阴影密度高、范围大,但肺间质表现不突出,同时易伴有中-大量胸腔积液及淋巴结显著增大。     

427例下呼吸道感染住院患儿肺炎支原体感染分析

目的 分析我院下呼吸道感染住院患儿肺炎支原体(MP)感染状况.探讨近年来MP感染在下呼吸道感染儿童中的流行规律.方法 采用实时定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)法检测427例下呼吸道感染患儿呼吸道鼻咽深部分泌物、肺泡灌洗液及咽拭子MP DNA含量,酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测血清MP IgM.结果 427例下呼吸道感染患儿中MP DNA阳性206例(48.2%),MP DNA含量5.01×102～3.66×107copies/ml.≤3岁(211例)、>3～6岁(73例)和>6岁(143例)组MP感染阳性分别为55例(26.1%)、43例(58.9%)和108例(75.5%);MP DNA阳性患儿中肺炎患儿94.2%(194/206).MP全年每月阳性率>29.2%,秋冬季感染呈现高峰(阳性率>60.0%).实时定量PCR与ELISA检测法结果一致性良好(Kappa=0.798.P<0.05).结论 MP是近年来住院惠儿呼吸道感染的主要病原体,下呼吸道感染尤其是肺炎中感染率较高;随年龄增长阳性检出率逐渐上升;感染与季节密切相关.     

The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Imam Reza Hospital blood bank samples,Tehran, Iran

BackgroundThe prevalence of toxoplasma gondii (T.g) infection in blood donors has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in blood products.MethodsA total of 223 blood products (101 fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 122 packed cells (PC)) in Imam Reza hospital blood bank, Tehran, Iran were tested for specific T.g antibodies (IgG and IgM) by ELISA method. Positive IgG anti-T.g samples were further tested for IgM anti-T.g. A positive IgG test with the negative and positive IgM test was interpreted as a chronic and acute toxoplasmosis respectively.ResultsOf 223 samples 38.6% and 0.45% were positive for IgG anti-T.g and IgM anti-T.g levels respectively. Therefore, one and 85 samples were involved acute and chronic toxoplasmosis respectively. Twenty-six of fresh frozen plasma samples were positive for IgG anti-T.g and one of them was positive for IgM anti-T.g. Sixty packed cell samples were positive for IgG anti-T.g.ConclusionsOur study showed that there were chronic and acute toxoplasmosis in blood products and the prevalence of toxoplasmosis especially chronic form was high. Therefore screening of blood for T.g antibodies may be considered.     

Association of circulating long non‐coding RNA HULC expression with disease risk,inflammatory cytokines,biochemical index levels,severity‐assessed scores,and mortality of sepsis

BackgroundThe present study aimed to explore the correlation of long non‐coding RNA highly up‐regulating in liver cancer (lncRNA HULC) with disease risk, inflammatory cytokines, biochemical indexes, disease severity, infective features, and 28‐day mortality of sepsis.MethodsTotally 174 sepsis patients and 100 controls were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were collected from sepsis patients after diagnosis and from controls at enrollment, respectively, and further for separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and serum samples. PBMC samples were for lncRNA HULC detection, and serum samples were for inflammatory cytokine detection.ResultsLncRNA HULC expression was increased in sepsis patients compared with controls. Moreover, lncRNA HULC was positively associated with TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐17, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, serum creatinine, white blood cell, and C‐reactive protein in sepsis patients, but not in controls. Furthermore, in sepsis patients, lncRNA HULC expression was positively correlated with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score and sequential organ failure assessment score, but not correlated with primary infection sites or primary infection organisms; meanwhile, lncRNA HULC expression was increased in deaths compared with survivors; subsequent receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that lncRNA HULC presented good value in predicting increased 28‐day mortality (AUC: 0.785, 95% CI: 0.713–0.857), and its independent predictive value for mortality was also verified by multivariate analysis.ConclusionLncRNA HULC is correlated with higher disease risk, severity, and inflammation and serves as an independent factor for predicting increased mortality, suggesting its potential in promoting accuracy of prognostic prediction for sepsis management.     

Prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated respiratory tract infections in hospitalized children: results of a 4-year prospective study in Tunis

Specific microbiologic, molecular, and serologic assays are hardly available in Tunis to confirm a suspected infection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP). These diagnosis methods were used for the first time in a Tunisian prospective study to estimate the prevalence of MP infection in children and to evaluate their usefulness for diagnosis. A total of 540 children hospitalized in Tunis for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) between 2005 and 2009 and 580 clinical specimens were investigated for the presence of MP by culture and by end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the P1 and the 16S rRNA genes. Real-time PCR was also used for MP detection on 158 respiratory samples. A total of 525 serum samples were tested for detection of MP-specific IgM and IgG. The P1 adhesin type and the antibiotic susceptibility testing were determined for the 9 clinical strains isolated during the study period. MP was detected in 33 (5.7%) clinical samples. Specific MP seropositivity was confirmed in 54 serum samples (10.3%), among which 19 (3.6%) were indicative of acute MP infection. MP infection was confirmed in 39 (7.2%) patients: 24 positive by PCR and/or culture, 10 serologically positive only, and 5 confirmed positive by both methods. MP infections occurred throughout the year with a slight decrease in autumn. The 9 MP isolates were susceptible to erythromycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, and all belonged to type I. The prevalence of MP infection in children with LRTI was 7.2% between 2005 and 2009, in Tunisia. Combination of direct detection and serology was required to enhance the clinical sensitivity of MP detection in clinical specimens.     

BLyS and APRIL expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cryptococcal meningitis patients and their clinical significance

ObjectiveTo investigate the levels of APRIL, BlyS and receptors as TACI, BCMA and BAFF-R in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients and its clinical significance.MethodsPBMC from 30 CM patients and 32 healthy controls were isolated. The mRNA levels of APRIL, BLyS and BLyS receptors were detected by fluorescent quantitation PCR. The effect of PBMC from CM patients on in vitro growth of Cryptococcus neoformans was compared in presence and absence of BLyS.ResultsPBMC of CM patients exhibited significantly lower BLyS, TACI and BCMA mRNA levels but significantly higher BAFF-R mRNA levels than controls. Growth of C. neoformans was significantly slower in presence of BLyS than its absence.ConclusionLevels of BlyS and its receptors correlated with cryptococcal meningitis progression, and provide new clues for monitoring CM conditions and its effective therapy.     

Value of combined detection of serum amyloid A,C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in differential diagnosis of respiratory tract infection in children of China

ObjectiveTo explore the diagnostic value of combined detection of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in children with bacteria or non-bacterial respiratory tract infection.Methods200 children with respiratory tract infections diagnosed in our hospital were included in the study. According to the results of the aetiological examination, they were divided into bacterial infection group and non-bacterial infection group. At the same time, 100 healthy children admitted to the hospital for physical examination during the same period were selected as the healthy subjects control group. Changes in serum SAA, PCT and CRP in three groups were compared. Comparison of a positive rate of the single index and combined detection were performed. Children with bacterial infections were treated with conventional antibiotics. The changes in serum SAA, PCT and CRP in the infection group before and after treatment were compared. The efficacy of SAA, PCT and CRP alone and in combination was compared.ResultsThe serum SAA, PCT and CRP levels in the bacterial infection group were higher than those in the non-bacterial infection group and healthy children, and the differences were statistically significant. The positive detection rates and combined detection rates of serum SAA, PCT and CRP in the bacterial infection group were higher than those in the non-bacterial infection group and the healthy subject''s control group. After conventional antibiotic treatment, serum SAA, PCT and CR levels in children with bacterial infection were significantly decreased.ConclusionThe combined detection based on SAA, CRP and PCT can effectively identify and diagnose respiratory tract infection in children, providing a certain reference for the promotion of the diagnostic scheme.

Key messages

• Serum SAA, PCT and CRP were highly expressed in children with respiratory tract infection, and the expression level was the highest in children with bacterial pneumonia.
• The combined detection of serum SAA, CRP and PCT indicators have higher diagnostic efficiency and can effectively make a differential diagnosis of respiratory tract infection in children.

     

Citrulline levels in a paediatric age group: Does measurement on dried blood spots have additional value?

BackgroundCitrulline is considered to be a marker of absorptive enterocyte mass. Citrulline levels can be measured in plasma or dried blood spot (DBS) samples. The purpose of this study is to calculate reference intervals for plasma and DBS citrulline concentrations in children and to examine the effect of age and gender.MethodsIn 151 healthy subjects ranging from 1 month to 20 years of age, plasma and DBS citrulline concentration were determined by using Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry. Citrulline concentrations were examined in relation to age and gender. Reference values were calculated according to the guidelines of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and the National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards.ResultsNo significant influence of age and gender could be discerned on plasma or DBS citrulline concentration. In children, the reference intervals for citrulline bounded by the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles are 13.31–69.05 μmol/L and 23.70–49.04 μmol/L for plasma and DBS samples respectively.ConclusionsThe reference intervals for citrulline levels in healthy children are widely dispersed. Measuring citrulline concentrations in dried blood spots delivers no additional value to plasma measurements for the calculation of reference intervals in children.     

Investigation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in pediatric population from 12,025 cases with respiratory infection

Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a major pathogen of primary atypical pneumonia in children, the clinical and laboratory characteristics of MP infection in large pediatric population are less reported. Here, we retrospectively analyzed 12,025 hospitalized children with respiratory infection by using serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods simultaneously. The results showed that 2433 (20.23%) children had MP infection, which mainly occurred in November to April. The presence of sore throat and pharyngitis was peculiar to MP infection. The positive percentage of MP-DNA was higher than that of MP-IgM in children aged <1 (P < 0.0001) and 1–3 years (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the positive rate of P1 gene, the key adhesion gene for MP infection, was higher in children with MP infection than in those with other pathogens (P < 0.0001). Our work provides the clinical information of children MP infection and highlights the superiority of PCR and potential usage of P1 as a diagnosis target for MP infection.     

小儿肺炎不同感染病原体类型外周血WBC和血清CRP、PCT水平特点及其相关性研究

目的探讨小儿肺炎不同感染病原体类型患儿外周血白细胞计数(WBC)及血清C反应蛋白(CRP)、降钙素原(PCT)水平特点及其与小儿肺炎严重程度的相关性。方法回顾性选取2017年4月至2019年2月朝阳市第二医院收治的158例肺炎患儿,其中细菌性肺炎(BP) 53例,支原体肺炎(MP) 64例,病毒性肺炎(VP) 41例;并根据小儿肺炎严重程度分为重症肺炎21例和轻症肺炎137例。同时选择同期30例健康体检儿童作为健康对照组(HC组)。所有受试对象均进行外周血WBC和血清CRP、PCT水平检测。结果 BP组外周血WBC及血清CRP、PCT水平均显著高于MP组、VP组和HC组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05);MP组与VP组血清CRP、PCT浓度均显著高于HC组,MP组血清CRP含量显著高于VP组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。除VP组、HC组的血清CRP阳性率比较差异无统计学意义外,其他各组肺炎患儿与HC组的外周血WBC和血清CRP、PCT的阳性率差异与其血中水平差异一致。BP组血清PCT、CRP阳性率均显著高于外周血WBC阳性率,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。MP组血清PCT阳性率均显著高于血清CRP和外周血WBC的阳性率,而血清CRP阳性率显著高于外周血WBC阳性率,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。VP组血清PCT阳性率均显著高于血清CRP及外周血WBC的阳性率,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。重症肺炎组外周血WBC和血清CRP、PCT水平均显著高于轻症肺炎组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论外周血WBC水平对BP具有一定的诊断价值,血清CRP浓度有助于鉴别VP与非VP,血清PCT含量则有助于鉴别BP与非BP,且3项指标联合检测能更好地区分不同感染病原体类型的小儿肺炎,并与患儿病情的严重程度密切相关。     

Human bocavirus-1 screening in infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection

BackgroundRecent studies have reported associations between, human bocavirus (HBoV), and respiratory tract diseases in children. However, there is limited information on the epidemiology of HBoV in infants. This prospective study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HBoV infection in infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in eastern China.MethodsNasopharyngeal aspirates and throat swab samples were collected from infants with ALRTI and age-matched healthy infants between January 2016 and December 2019. HBoV was identified by polymerase chain reaction. Laboratory data and clinical characteristics were analyzed.ResultsOf 2510 infants, 145 tested positive for HBoV. The highest prevalence of HBoV was detected during the winter. Co-infection was frequently observed during this period of high viral transmission. There were no HBoV-positive infants in the control group. Clinical signs and symptoms included cough, wheezing, fever, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, hypoxemia, and tachypnea. Co-infections included: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus.ConclusionsHBoV was frequently detected in infants with ALRTI in China. The prevalence of HBoV was highest in winter. Co-infection was common, especially in infants requiring intensive care unit admission. Comprehensive clinical evaluation may facilitate optimal treatment.