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Porcine astrovirus: a review
Parveen Kumar1, Ritu Panghal2, Sanjeevna K Minhas3
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India. vetsparveen@gmail.com.
Archives of Virology
|February 19, 2026
Summary
Porcine astrovirus (PAstV) is a diverse virus found in pigs, causing uncertain gastrointestinal issues and recently linked to respiratory and nervous disorders. This review summarizes current knowledge and identifies research gaps for PAstV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Porcine astrovirus (PAstV), a non-enveloped RNA virus in the Astroviridae family, exhibits significant genetic diversity with five known genotypes.
- PAstV is traditionally associated with swine gastroenteritis, but its etiological role in diarrhea is unclear due to similar prevalence in healthy and sick pigs.
- Emerging evidence links PAstV to respiratory and nervous system disorders in swine, expanding its known pathogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on Porcine astrovirus (PAstV).
- To synthesize information regarding PAstV's genome, replication, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical significance.
- To identify knowledge gaps and guide future research directions for PAstV.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published scientific literature on Porcine astrovirus.
- Analysis of data concerning PAstV genome structure, viral life cycle, and genetic diversity.
- Compilation of epidemiological, pathological, and clinical findings related to PAstV infections.
Main Results:
- PAstV possesses a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome (6.4-7.3 kb) and considerable genetic variability.
- The virus is detected in both diarrheic and healthy pigs, complicating its role as a primary enteropathogen.
- PAstV has been increasingly associated with non-gastrointestinal conditions, including respiratory and neurological diseases in swine.
Conclusions:
- This review consolidates existing knowledge on PAstV, covering its biology, disease associations, and detection methods.
- Significant gaps remain in understanding PAstV's precise pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiological impact, and potential for cross-species transmission.
- Further research is crucial to fully elucidate the role of PAstV in swine health and disease.
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