Astroviruses as causative agents of gastroenteritis

Abstract

Astroviruses were first identified over 30 years ago and the virus was soon established as an important cause of gastroenteritis, particularly in young children. Human astrovirus disease was thought to result from infection by a limited number of serotypes. However, recent studies have indicated that the extent of genetic diversity is greater than previously assumed. In addition, the widespread occurrence among animals and reports of recombination and possible cross-species transmission suggest that astroviruses have zoonotic potential.