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Population-based prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic astrovirus infection in rural Mayan infants

Y Maldonado1, M Cantwell, M Old

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305, USA. mn.yam@forsythe.stanford.edu

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 11, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Astrovirus infection is common in Mayan infants, with over 60% infected, often without symptoms. This study highlights astrovirus as a prevalent enteric pathogen in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Astrovirus is a significant cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide.
  • Prospective studies on astrovirus prevalence and clinical presentation in diverse populations are crucial for understanding its impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic astrovirus infection in a Mayan infant birth cohort.
  • To compare astrovirus infection rates between infants and their older siblings.
  • To identify clinical symptoms associated with astrovirus infection.

Main Methods:

  • A 3-year prospective birth cohort study involving 271 infants and 268 siblings.
  • Stool sample analysis for astrovirus, adenovirus 40/41, rotavirus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter.
  • Monitoring for symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and anorexia.

Main Results:

  • Astrovirus was detected in 61% of infants and 7% of siblings, making it the most common enteric pathogen isolated.
  • Diarrhea was the primary symptom associated with astrovirus infection (OR, 1.4; P = .01).
  • 70% of infected infants shed astrovirus for an extended period (median, 5 visits over 2-17 weeks).

Conclusions:

  • Astrovirus infection is highly prevalent in Mayan infants, with symptomatic infection being common.
  • Infants have a significantly higher point prevalence of astrovirus infection compared to older siblings.
  • Astrovirus is a major contributor to childhood diarrhea in this population, necessitating further public health considerations.

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