Human bocavirus species 2 and 3 in Brazil

Abstract

Background: The newly described human bocavirus (HBoV) species 2 and 3 have been repeatedly detected in stool strengthening the possibility that these viruses might present a tropism for the gastrointestinal tract and may be etiological agents of diarrhea.

Objective: In this study we assessed the presence of HBoV2 and HBoV3 in stool specimens from Brazilians with acute gastroenteritis.

Study design: Stool samples from Brazilian patients with acute diarrhea were analyzed for HBoV2 and HBoV3 by PCR assay. Full or partial genome sequences were obtained for selected isolates. Electron microscopy analysis was used to investigate virus morphology.

Results: Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of virus-like particles in HBoV PCR-positive specimens, with morphology similar to other members of the Parvoviridae family. Five samples out of 807 (0.6%) were positive for HBoV3. Three of the HBoV3-positive patients were HIV/AIDS positive. A selected group of 144 samples was also tested for HBoV2 and 30 samples (20.8%) were positive, 11 of which were HIV/AIDS positive.

Conclusion: This study reports the detection and genetic characterization of HBoV3 and HBoV2 in the stool of Brazilian patients with acute diarrhea. This is the first description of HBoV3 outside Australia, suggesting a wide global distribution of this virus. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of HBoV in gastrointestinal infections, particularly among patients with HIV/AIDS.