ASTROVIRUSES

Structure & Property	Transmission	Pathogenesis	Clinical findings	Laboratory diagnosis	Treatment	
Family: Astrovirus

Genome: single strand RNA, positive polarity.

Size: 28-30nm

Nonenveloped spherical particle, resembles 5-pointed star.

5 serotypes	Fecal-oral route:
- person to person
- contaminated water or food

	Mature virions accumulate in the cytoplasm in crystalline arrays.	Incubation period: 1-4 days

Cause diarrhea mainly in children.

Abdominal discomfort

Vomiting

Immunity lasts for years	Direct demonstration by EM of stools

Grow in tissue cultures using special techniques.
	No antiviral therapy or vaccine available.