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Updated: May 20, 2025
Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 BSL-3 Conditions
Published on: September 10, 2021
Exploring evidence from cells to clinics: is human bocavirus a gastrointestinal pathogen or just a risk factor?
1Department of Laboratory Technical Sciences Development, Gene Fanavaran Teb Azma Company, Isfahan, Iran. mehrdad.mohammadi1984@gmail.com.
Insights
Human bocaviruses (HBoVs), particularly genotypes 2-4, are increasingly linked to pediatric gastroenteritis. This review examines the epidemiological and molecular evidence of HBoV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Human bocaviruses (HBoVs) are increasingly detected in children with acute gastroenteritis.
- While HBoV-1 is linked to respiratory illness, HBoV genotypes 2-4 are predominantly found in gastrointestinal samples.
- Epidemiological evidence suggests a significant association between HBoV-2 and gastroenteritis, though case-control study results remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of epidemiological evidence linking HBoV infection with acute gastroenteritis.
- To focus on the cellular and molecular aspects of HBoV pathogenicity in the gastrointestinal system.
- To identify knowledge gaps and explore future research directions regarding HBoV's effects on the GI tract.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological studies on HBoV and gastroenteritis.
- Analysis of pathological and molecular data on HBoV pathogenesis in GI cells.
- Inclusion of findings from colorectal cancer samples to understand HBoV behavior in the GI system.
Main Results:
- Growing epidemiological evidence supports an association between HBoV infection and acute gastroenteritis in children.
- HBoV-2, -3, and -4 are primarily implicated in gastrointestinal infections.
- Limited in vitro culture of HBoV complicates pathogenesis studies, necessitating insights from other sample types.
Conclusions:
- HBoV infection, particularly by genotypes 2-4, is a relevant factor in pediatric acute gastroenteritis.
- Further research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HBoV GI pathogenicity is crucial.
- Addressing knowledge gaps will improve understanding and management of HBoV-associated gastroenteritis.
Abstract:
Human bocaviruses (HBoVs), first identified in 2005 and composed of genotypes 1-4, have been increasingly detected worldwide in pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis. HBoV-1 has been primarily associated with respiratory symptoms, while HBoV2-4 are mostly found in gastrointestinal (GI) samples. Results from case-control studies are still controversial; however, epidemiological evidence has shown a significant association between HBoV-2 and gastroenteritis. This review will primarily focus on this association, with a brief discussion of evidence related to other HBoV genotypes. Pathological and molecular studies on the pathogenesis of HBoV, particularly in GI cells, are very scarce, possibly due to the difficulties of in vitro HBoV culture. Nonetheless, some relevant findings from colorectal cancer samples have yielded valuable insights regarding the behavior of HBoV in the GI system. In the present review, we provide an updated overview of the epidemiological evidence for an association of HBoV infection with acute gastroenteritis and focus on the cellular and molecular perspectives of HBoV pathogenicity. Finally, we look at the knowledge gaps about how HBoV affects the GI system and explore future directions.
