Human astrovirus draft genomes from under-five children presenting with gastroenteritis in Malawi from 2012 to 2024

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are a significant cause of gastroenteritis in children globally, accounting for 2-9% of cases.
• HAstVs can occasionally lead to severe central nervous system complications.
• Limited genomic data exists for HAstVs in sub-Saharan Africa, hindering understanding of local diversity and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the genetic diversity of human astroviruses circulating in Malawian children.
• To establish baseline genomic information for HAstV in sub-Saharan Africa.
• To contribute to understanding the disease burden of HAstV gastroenteritis in the region.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of six HAstV isolates from stool samples of children under 5 years old with gastroenteritis in Malawi.
• Bioinformatic analysis of the generated HAstV genomes.

Main Results:

• Six draft HAstV genomes were successfully generated from Malawian children.
• The genomic data provides insights into the diversity of HAstV strains present in the study population.
• This represents a key contribution to the limited HAstV genomic database for sub-Saharan Africa.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential baseline genomic data for human astroviruses in Malawi.
• Understanding HAstV diversity is critical for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the epidemiology and clinical significance of HAstVs in sub-Saharan Africa.