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.