II. Epidemiology
- Astroviruses were first identified in 1975 after Gastroenteritis outbreak
- Astroviruses are now responsible for 2-8% of non-Bacterial Gastroenteritis cases in children (esp. young)
- Human Astrovirus causes Gastroenteritis in all ages
- Most common in children and Immunocompromised adults
III. Pathophysiology
- Astroviridae (Astrovirus)
- Family of non-enveloped, spherical-shaped viruses with icosahedral capsid
- Astroviridae are named for their star-like ("astro") pointy projections (5-6)
- Astroviridae are Message Sense RNA Viruses (Positive Stranded, +ssRNA)
- Message sense RNA (+ssRNA) are identical to Messenger RNA (mRNA)
- Like mRNA, +ssRNA may be immediately translated by host ribosomes into Protein
- Astroviridae are divided into 2 genera
- Avastrovirus (AAstV) affecting avian hosts (chicken, turkey and ducks)
- Mamastrovirus (MAstV) affecting mammals (including humans)
IV. Findings: Gastroenteritis
- Winter outbreaks Gastroenteritis, affecting all ages
- Typical illness duration 3 days
- Illness may be severe (deaths have occurred)