# Viral Metagenomic Analysis Reveals High Prevalence of Dromedary Camel Bocavirus and Porcine Astrovirus in Bactrian Camel Intestinal Tissue

## TL;DR

This study identifies two common viruses in Bactrian camels, suggesting possible cross-species transmission and highlighting their importance for camel health and zoonotic risk.

## Contribution

The first report of porcine astrovirus in Bactrian camels, indicating cross-species transmission and expanding viral diversity knowledge.

## Key findings

- Dromedary camel bocavirus (DBoV1) was detected in 36.40% of Bactrian camel samples.
- Porcine astrovirus (PoAstV5) was found in 26.44% of samples, marking its first detection in Bactrian camels.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed no evidence of recombination in the detected viral strains.

## Abstract

Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) are economically vital livestock in arid regions; however, their intestinal virome is poorly understood. We employed viral metagenomics to analyze intestinal tissue samples from deceased camels at a breeding facility in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, and uncovered a diverse viral population dominated by dromedary camel bocavirus (DBoV1) and porcine astrovirus (PoAstV5). A molecular epidemiological survey of 261 anal swab samples collected across Xinjiang revealed prevalence rates of 36.40% (95/261) for DBoV1 and 26.44% (69/261) for PoAstV5, indicating their widespread circulation. Phylogenetic analyses of the DBoV1 NS1 and PoAstV5 ORF1a genes showed close relationships with known strains, with no evidence of recombination. This study expands the known viral spectrum of Bactrian camels, marking the first report of PoAstV5 in this species, a finding suggestive of cross-species transmission. These results enhance our understanding of camel viral diversity and provide critical data for managing enteric diseases in camel populations, with potential implications for livestock health and surveillance of zoonotic risks.