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Astrovirus gastroenteritis age distribution of antibody
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|November 17, 1978
Insights
Human astrovirus infection is common in children, with antibody prevalence increasing with age. Most young adults also show evidence of past astrovirus exposure, indicating widespread circulation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Human astrovirus is a recognized cause of gastroenteritis in children.
- Serological studies are crucial for understanding the epidemiology of viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of human astrovirus antibodies in a pediatric population and young adults.
- To assess the age-specific seroprevalence of astrovirus infection.
Main Methods:
- Detection of astrovirus antibody using immunofluorescence assay.
- Utilized infected primary human embryo kidney cultures as antigen.
- Studied a cohort of children aged 0-10 years and a group of young adults.
Main Results:
- Astrovirus antibody was detected in 7% of infants (6-12 months).
- Seroprevalence increased with age, reaching 75% in children aged 5-10 years.
- 77% of young adults exhibited astrovirus antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Human astrovirus infection is highly prevalent in the studied population.
- Exposure to astrovirus increases significantly during early childhood.
- Widespread past infection suggests astrovirus is a common childhood pathogen.
Abstract:
Astrovirus antibody was detected by immunofluorescence using infected primary human embryo kidney cultures as antigen. Of 87 Oxford children aged 0--10 years, only 7% in the 6 to 12-month-old group had antibody. The percentage of children having evidence of past infection rose progressively in the 1--4 age range and 75% of the 5 to 10-year-old group possessed astrovirus antibody. Fifty-four (77%) of a group of 70 young adults likewise had antibody.