Korean J Pediatr.  2012 Mar;55(3):77-82. 10.3345/kjp.2012.55.3.77.

Epidemiology of astrovirus infection in children

• Jeong HS
• Jeong A
• Cheon DS

• KMID: 2284312
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2012.55.3.77

Abstract

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a major cause of acute diarrhea among children, resulting in outbreaks of diarrhea and occasionally hospitalization. Improved surveillance and application of sensitive molecular diagnostics have further defined the impact of HAstV infections in children. These studies have shown that HAstV infections are clinically milder (diarrhea, vomiting, fever) than infections with other enteric agents. Among the 8 serotypes of HAstV identified, serotype 1 is the predominant strain worldwide. In addition to serotype 1, the detection rate of HAstV types 2 to 8 has increased by using newly developed assays. HAstV is less common compared with other major gastroenteritis viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus; however, it is a potentially important viral etiological agent with a significant role in acute gastroenteritis. A better understanding of the molecular epidemiology and characteristics of HAstV strains may be valuable to develop specific prevention strategies.

Keyword

Epidemiology; Acute gastroenteritis; Diarrhea; Human astrovirus; Serotype

MeSH Terms

Child
Diarrhea
Disease Outbreaks
Gastroenteritis
Hospitalization
Humans
Mamastrovirus
Molecular Epidemiology
Norovirus
Pathology, Molecular
Sprains and Strains
Vomiting