First report and molecular characterization of bovine kobuvirus in beef cattle from eastern Inner Mongolia, China.

BKoV is circulating at notable prevalence in eastern Inner Mongolia beef cattle, warranting routine surveillance.

This study represents the first molecular epidemiological investigation of bovine kobuvirus (BKoV) in eastern Inner Mongolia, China. Researchers collected 162 clinical samples (fecal and blood) from beef cattle in July 2023, detecting BKoV in 18.52% of samples via nested PCR. Fecal samples demonstrated significantly higher detection rates than blood samples, consistent with the enteric tropism of kobuviruses. Metagenomic sequencing yielded a near-complete genome of strain NM21 (GenBank: PV797393). Phylogenetic analyses of the partial 3D gene and near-complete genome confirmed all detected strains clustered within Clade 1. Amino acid alignment identified 21 clade-associated residue differences conserved within each clade; notably, position 66 of the VP0 protein was consistently absent in Clade 2 sequences, representing a potential clade-distinguishing marker. Bioinformatic analysis of the major capsid protein VP1 predicted three candidate linear B-cell epitopes relevant to future vaccine or diagnostic development. Selection pressure analysis indicated the VP1 gene is predominantly under purifying selection, suggesting functional conservation. Recombination analysis identified a potential recombination signal within the 2B non-structural protein region of strain NM21, warranting further investigation. These findings establish baseline epidemiological and genomic data for BKoV in this region, contributing to understanding of viral diversity, evolution, and antigenic characteristics, and providing a foundation for future surveillance programs and control strategies in Chinese beef cattle populations.

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