Predominance of Human Bocavirus Genotypes 1 and 2 in Oysters in Thailand
Kattareeya Kumthip, Pattara Khamrin, Hiroshi Ushijima, Niwat Maneekarn
Abstract
Human bocavirus is recognized as an important cause of respiratory infection and of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Human bocavirus has been widely detected in many clinical specimens, as well as in several types of environmental samples. Most previous studies describe the incidence of bocavirus infection in humans, whereas few data are available for the occurrence of human bocavirus in food materials, particularly that in bivalve shellfish. Our findings provide evidence for the existence and prevalence of human bocavirus in oysters, suggesting that further monitoring of the potential risk of food- and waterborne transmission of this virus to humans should be undertaken.