Detection of Human Bocavirus in Stool Samples Collected During an Outbreak of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

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Introduction: This study investigated human bocavirus (HBoV) in samples obtained during an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. AGE is characterized by symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever and may require hospitalization in severe cases. Methods: A total of 131 stool samples collected from children hospitalized with AGE at a hospital in Salvador, Bahia, were analyzed. HBoV was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR). Positive samples were sequenced and inoculated into Vero cell cultures, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate– polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. Results: Of the 131 samples analyzed, 13 tested positive for HBoV. Children aged 0–4 years were the most affected by AGE and showed the highest frequency of HBoV detection. HBoV was successfully cultured in Vero cells, representing a novel finding reported in this study. Subsequent SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses revealed protein bands suggestive of HBoV structural proteins. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for accurate diagnostic methods and preventive strategies to control the spread of HBoV and other pathogens associated with gastroenteritis in pediatric populations.