Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Astrovirus infection in South Africa: a pilot study
A D Steele1, H R Basetse, N R Blacklow
1MRC/MEDUNSA Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit, Medical University of Southern Africa, South Africa.
Insights
This study found rotaviruses were the most common cause of gastroenteritis in young South African children, followed by astroviruses. These viral infections peaked in autumn and early winter, primarily affecting infants aged 3-22 months.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Gastroenteritis in children is a significant public health concern.
- Astroviruses, rotaviruses, and enteric adenoviruses are known causes of pediatric gastroenteritis.
- Limited comparative studies exist for South Africa regarding these viral agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of astroviruses, rotaviruses, and enteric adenoviruses in young children with acute gastroenteritis in South Africa.
- To establish the relative etiological roles of these viruses in pediatric gastroenteritis within the study population.
Main Methods:
- Stool specimens were collected from 225 children with acute gastroenteritis (1991-1993).
- Astroviruses detected using monoclonal antibody-based ELISA.
- Rotaviruses and enteric adenoviruses detected using commercial kits.
- A control group of 56 asymptomatic children was included.
Main Results:
- Astroviruses detected in 7% of cases, rotaviruses in 20%, and enteric adenoviruses in 3%.
- Astrovirus and rotavirus infections were seasonal, peaking in autumn and early winter.
- Infections were most common in children aged 3-22 months.
- Low prevalence of these viruses was observed in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a more frequent cause of gastroenteritis than astrovirus or adenovirus in young South African children.
- Astrovirus prevalence aligns with findings in other developing regions.
- Seasonal patterns and age predilection for rotavirus and astrovirus infections were identified.
Abstract:
Astroviruses have been shown to be important aetiological agents associated with gastroenteritis in children, as have rotaviruses and the enteric adenoviruses. However, no inclusive studies have been conducted in South Africa to allow a comparison of the relative roles of these different viral agents. In this study, stool specimens were obtained between 1991 and 1993 from 225 young children with acute gastro-enteritis. These were examined for the presence of astroviruses using a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA, and for rotaviruses and enteric adenoviruses using commercially available kits. A control group of 56 infants and young children without symptoms of diarrhoeal illness was included in the study. Astroviruses were detected in 7% of the stools compared with 20% infected with rotaviruses and only 3% infected with enteric adenoviruses. In the control group, one specimen each had astrovirus or adenovirus and two shed rotaviruses. The astrovirus prevalence observed in this study is similar to that reported in other developing communities. Rotavirus and astrovirus infections were more prevalent in the autumn and early winter than in other seasons. Astrovirus and rotavirus infections predominated in children between 3 and 22 months of age.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
02:33Retroviruses
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis