Analysis of Epidemiological and Molecular Characteristics of Bocavirus in Guangzhou.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics and co-infection status of HBoV in Guangzhou and to investigate the potential recombination events and alterations in antigenic properties among circulating HBoV strains.

METHODS

Utilizing respiratory specimens collected from patients at sentinel surveillance hospitals in Guangzhou between August 2023 and December 2025, multiplex pathogen detection was performed. We describe the temporal and demographic distribution of HBoV in Guangzhou and determine its co-infection patterns. Subsequent sequence analysis focused on identifying potential recombination events and characterizing antigenic properties.

RESULTS

The epidemiological features of HBoV in Guangzhou exhibited a primary epidemic peak around the autumn season, followed closely by a secondary peak. HBoV infection was predominantly observed in children under three years of age. Co-infections with rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus were common. Whole-genome sequencing yielded 15 complete HBoV genome sequences. Recombination analysis and verification suggested potential recombination events in two of these sequences. A comparative analysis of the antigenic characteristics of one identified recombinant strain, GZ-2024-20891, against its putative parental strains and domestic prevalent strains revealed potential alterations in its antigenic characteristic.

CONCLUSIONS

Bocavirus is highly prevalent among young children under 3 years of age, with a secondary peak following the main epidemic peaks around autumn in Guangzhou. Genetic recombination and potential antigenic alteration were detected in bocavirus.