Canine Kobuvirus (CaKoV): An Emerging Enteric Pathogen and the Challenge of Viral Co-Infections
1. Introduction The canine viral gastroenteritis is undergoing dynamic changes with the detection of new viral pathogens. Among these, Canine Kobuvirus ( CaKoV ) has been recognized as an important, though poorly studied, agent in canine viral gastroenteritis. Though Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) are recognized as major viral pathogens in canine viral gastroenteritis, the detection rate of CaKoV in infected dogs indicates that it is probably playing an active role in canine enteric viral disease. 2. Viral Taxonomy and Genetic Diversity CaKoV is classified as a member of the Kobuvirus genus in the family Picornaviridae . The viral genome is 8.2 kb in length and consists of a single open reading frame (ORF) that codes for a polyprotein that is subsequently cleaved into structural and non-structural proteins. • Genetic Characterization: The viral genome has been found to possess considerable genetic diversity . The detection of unique viral lineages in...