Kobuvirus Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization

Kobuviruses, members of the Picornaviridae family, are small non-enveloped RNA viruses implicated in gastrointestinal disease across a broad host range including humans, livestock, companion animals and wildlife. Since the initial identification of Aichivirus A in human faecal samples, multiple kobuvirus species (A, B and C) have been detected in cattle, pigs, dogs, cats and rodents, often with subclinical carriage complicating incidence estimates. Epidemiological surveys reveal variable prevalence by region, age and husbandry practice, with sporadic outbreaks in neonatal animals associated with diarrhoea and weight loss. Molecular characterisation through full-genome sequencing has uncovered extensive genetic diversity driven by point mutations, recombination events and host-specific adaptations. Phylogenetic analyses have traced viral lineages, clarified cross-species transmission pathways and identified antigenic sites under selective pressure. Advances in rapid diagnostic assays, such as multiplex reverse-transcription quantitative PCR, now enable simultaneous detection of multiple enteric pathogens, improving surveillance and outbreak response. Understanding kobuvirus evolution and geographic spread informs vaccine design, guides biosecurity in agriculture and highlights potential zoonotic risks, underscoring the global significance of integrated epidemiological and molecular investigations.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated the evolutionary dynamics and immune-evasion strategies of kobuviruses in companion animals across Southeast Asia. A comprehensive analysis of canine kobuvirus sequences from Vietnam and Thailand demonstrated high prevalence in puppies under six months, including both healthy and diarrhoeic dogs. Phylogenetic comparisons revealed close relationships with Chinese strains and the emergence of distinct regional lineages. Examination of the capsid (VP1) region uncovered predominantly negative selection interspersed with positively selected residues within B-cell epitopes, suggesting ongoing adaptation to host immunity. These findings advance understanding of cross-border viral dissemination and highlight molecular determinants of antigenic variation.

Kobuvirus Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in kobuvirus epidemiology and molecular characterization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Epidemiology: The study of the distribution, determinants and controls of disease in populations.

Molecular characterization: Analysis of viral genetic and structural features to define strain diversity and function.

Phylogenetic analysis: Reconstruction of evolutionary relationships among viral sequences.

Recombination: Exchange of genetic material between viral genomes producing novel variants.

RT-qPCR: A laboratory method combining reverse transcription of RNA into DNA and quantitative PCR to measure nucleic acid levels in real time.

References

1. Development of a one-step multiplex RT-qPCR method for rapid detection of bovine diarrhea viruses. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2025).
2. Evolutionary dynamics of canine kobuvirus in Vietnam and Thailand reveal the evidence of viral ability to evade host immunity. Scientific Reports (2024).
3. Isolation and Characteristics of a Novel Aichivirus D from Yak. Microbiology Spectrum (2023).
4. Evolutionary Origin, Genetic Recombination, and Phylogeography of Porcine Kobuvirus. Viruses (2023).
5. Kobuviruses carried by Rattus norvegicus in Guangdong, China. BMC Microbiology (2020).