Overview
Astrovirus is a virus that infects humans and animals, primarily young children. It is a member of the Astroviridae family, which contains several other types of viruses. Astrovirus infection is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It is one of the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old worldwide. It can also cause inflammation of other organs such as the liver, pancreas, and lungs. Treatment is usually supportive care, with hydration and antibiotics if there is evidence of a bacterial infection. Vaccines are available for some animal species but are not available for humans. Astrovirus infection is important to the public health field, as it is a frequent cause of hospitalizations and healthcare costs worldwide.