Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Nationwide surveillance study of human astrovirus infections in an Italian paediatric population

S DE Grazia1, V Martella2, M Chironna3

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze per la Promozione della Salute 'G. D'Alessandro', Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

Epidemiology and Infection
|May 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Genetic diversity of human astroviruses (HAstVs) in Italian children with gastroenteritis was studied. HAstV-1 was predominant, and a novel HAstV-2d lineage emerged, highlighting viral evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are a significant cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide.
  • Understanding HAstV genetic diversity is crucial for tracking outbreaks and developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity and epidemiology of HAstVs in hospitalized children in Italy.
  • To identify circulating HAstV genotypes and detect any novel strains.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of 1321 fecal samples from children with gastroenteritis in Italy (2008-2009).
  • Detection of HAstVs using RT-PCR amplification of the 5'-end of ORF2.
  • Genotyping of detected HAstV strains.

Main Results:

  • HAstVs were detected in 3.95% of the pediatric patients.
  • Four genotypes (HAstV-1, -2, -4, -5) were identified, with HAstV-1 being the most prevalent.
  • A novel HAstV-2d lineage was observed in Parma in 2009.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals the genetic landscape of HAstVs in Italy during the specified period.
  • The emergence of a new HAstV lineage underscores the dynamic evolution of these viruses.
  • Continued surveillance of HAstV genetic variability is essential for epidemiological monitoring.

More Related Videos

Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces10:03

Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces

Published on: February 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Principles of Disease Surveillance01:26

Principles of Disease Surveillance

Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...