From the Guidelines
Astrovirus infections are primarily caused by fecal-oral transmission of the virus, which commonly affects young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients. The main cause of astrovirus infections is the transmission of the virus through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, as well as person-to-person contact 1. Management of astrovirus infections focuses on preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte) or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and headache, lasting 2-3 days in healthy individuals but potentially longer in vulnerable populations.
Key Points to Consider
- Prevention is key and involves proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food 1.
- Other preventive measures include consuming safe food and water, disinfecting contaminated surfaces with chlorine-based cleaners, and isolating infected individuals, particularly in institutional settings like schools, nursing homes, and hospitals 1.
- The virus is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making environmental cleaning crucial.
- While most cases resolve without complications, maintaining hydration is essential throughout the illness to prevent serious outcomes.
Management and Prevention Strategies
- Supportive care is the primary management approach for astrovirus infections, as there are no specific antiviral treatments available.
- Oral rehydration solutions and intravenous fluids are used to prevent dehydration.
- Preventive measures, such as proper handwashing and environmental cleaning, are essential to reduce the transmission of the virus.
- Isolating infected individuals and consuming safe food and water can also help prevent the spread of the virus.
From the Research
Causes of Astrovirus Infection
- Astroviruses are nonenveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness, particularly in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised populations 2.
- The virus can infect in a species-specific manner, but there is growing evidence that astroviruses have the potential to cross species barriers 2, 3.
- Astrovirus infection can be especially problematic in immunocompromised people and infants, where the virus has been associated with necrotizing enterocolitis and severe and persistent diarrhea, as well as rare instances of systemic and fatal disease 4.
Management of Astrovirus Infection
- The standard management of astrovirus infections is restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance and then maintenance of hydration until the infection resolves 5.
- WHO oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is commonly used to treat astrovirus infections, and hypotonic ORS appears to be safe and effective in all forms of acute diarrhea in childhood 5.
- Nitazoxanide (NTZ) has been shown to block astrovirus replication in vitro and in vivo, and may be an effective therapeutic strategy against astrovirus disease 4.
Prevention of Astrovirus Infection
- Understanding the immune response to astrovirus infection is crucial for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies 6.
- Adaptive immunity is important in restricting classic and novel astrovirus infections, while the innate immune system plays a role in limiting astrovirus replication 6.
- Further research is needed to understand the factors that influence viral spread and the potential for cross-species transmission of astroviruses 3.