From the Guidelines
Astrovirus is a viral agent that causes gastroenteritis, primarily affecting children less than 7 years of age, and accounts for 3%-5% of admissions for diarrhea. Astroviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses with a star-like appearance when viewed under an electron microscope, which is how they got their name ("astro" means star) 1. The infection typically causes watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and abdominal pain that usually lasts for 2-3 days. Some key points about astrovirus include:
- Children are principally affected, although adults can be infected and suffer mild disease 1
- Antibody to all five serotypes of astrovirus was present in a study of pooled American gamma globulin from the United States, indicating widespread exposure 1
- Australian data suggest a winter peak in astrovirus infections 1
- Clinical syndrome caused by astrovirus is typically self-limiting, with most people recovering completely without complications 1
- Good hygiene practices like handwashing and proper food handling are the best ways to prevent astrovirus infection. Astrovirus spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning it's transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with the virus or through direct contact with an infected person. There's no specific antiviral treatment for astrovirus infection; management focuses on preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions 1.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Astrovirus
- Astroviruses are nonenveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness 2.
- They are a leading cause of pediatric diarrhea, but are among the least characterized enteric RNA viruses 2.
- Astroviruses have the ability to infect in a species-specific manner, but there is growing evidence that they can cross species barriers 2.
Pathogenesis and Epidemiology
- Astroviruses are a major cause of diarrhea in the young, elderly, and the immunocompromised 3.
- The pathogenesis of astroviruses is not well understood, but research has shown that they can cause diarrhea in the absence of inflammation and cell death 4.
- Astrovirus infection is associated with a high prevalence of diarrhea and undernutrition in children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries 5.
- Children with astrovirus infection have a higher odds of experiencing diarrhea, and undernutrition is a risk factor for infection and diarrhea 5.
Research and Future Directions
- Improved animal models are needed to study the pathogenesis of astroviruses and to develop effective treatments 2, 3.
- There is evidence of protective immunity to astrovirus infection, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms of immunity and to develop vaccines 5.
- Astroviruses are an overlooked cause of diarrhea among vulnerable children worldwide, and further research is needed to address this public health issue 5.