title: Epidemiology of astrovirus infection in children.
abstract: Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a major cause of acute diarrhea among children, resulting in outbreaks of diarrhea and occasionally hospitalization. Improved surveillance and application of sensitive molecular diagnostics have further defined the impact of HAstV infections in children. These studies have shown that HAstV infections are clinically milder (diarrhea, vomiting, fever) than infections with other enteric agents. Among the 8 serotypes of HAstV identified, serotype 1 is the predominant strain worldwide. In addition to serotype 1, the detection rate of HAstV types 2 to 8 has increased by using newly developed assays. HAstV is less common compared with other major gastroenteritis viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus; however, it is a potentially important viral etiological agent with a significant role in acute gastroenteritis. A better understanding of the molecular epidemiology and characteristics of HAstV strains may be valuable to develop specific prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Enteric and Hepatitis Viruses, Center for Infectious Disease, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongwon, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Sook
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.forename: Ahyong
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.forename: Doo-Sung
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Cheon