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Astrovirus causes gastroenteritis in mammals and birds, including humans. It was discovered in 1975 and is part of the astroviridae family. The virus looks like a star and is identified through scientific techniques. Good hygiene is the best prevention method, and children under 10 are at increased risk. There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment.
The astrovirus is an infectious agent that causes gastroenteritis. It affects some species of mammals and birds including humans, cows, sheep and chickens. It takes its name from the Greek word for “star” due to its shape. Like other viruses, it attacks its host’s cells to replicate itself.
Astroviruses were first discovered in 1975 using electron microscopes after an outbreak of diarrhea. The astrovirus was part of a recently discovered family of viruses called the astroviridae. There are two main types of astroviruses: mamastroviruses affect mammals and avastroviruses affect birds. These are further subdivided according to the species they affect and their serotypes. A serotype is a small variation in the base form of the virus, and seven human serotypes of the astrovirus are known.
The virus looks like a five- or six-pointed star, hence the name, and is about 28-35 nm or nanometers in diameter. Its capsid, or protein shell, is icosahedral in shape and is not enveloped. The genome of the virus is a single strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA).
The symptoms of the astrovirus are similar to those of gastroenteritis. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever are common symptoms. Patients may also suffer from malaise and abdominal pain. Such symptoms last for about three to four days before subsiding naturally as the body produces antibodies.
There are a number of scientific techniques for identifying the astrovirus. These include electron microscopy, enzyme immunoassays (ELISA), and immunofluorescence. All techniques are used to find viral particles, antigens, and viral nucleic acids present in stool samples.
Astroviruses tend not to cause major problems for the patient. The body tends to produce antibodies within a few days to deal with the problem. It is more dangerous for people with weak immune systems. Scientists have not developed a vaccine or antiviral treatment.
The best method of virus prevention is simple hygiene. It typically enters patients through the mouth through the hands, food or water. Good hygiene, cleanliness, and food preparation are essential to reducing the risk of an astrovirus outbreak.
Children under 10, especially under 2, are at increased risk of developing gastroenteritis due to an astroviral infection. By age 5, most children have developed immunity, however, some adults and the elderly have been known to develop it. It is thought to cause a quarter of all gastroenteritis cases in children, and the number of cases peaks in winters and rainy seasons. The most common astrovirus in humans is serotype one.
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