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Human bocavirus particles, coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM). The human bocavirus (HBoV), of the Parvoviridae family, was newly identified in 2005. Each particle (pink) consists of a single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) genome surrounded by an icosahedral protein capsid. The virus is present world-wide and has been associated mainly with lower respiratory tract infections in children (in whom it causes distressed breathing and fever), although it has also been detected in immunocompromised adult patients. The infection may also be associated with other clinical manifestations, for example gastroenteritis and rash. Magnification: x255,000 when printed 10 centimetres high. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/HAZEL APPLETON, CENTRE FOR INFECTIONS/HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY)