Molecular epidemiology of astrovirus infection in Italian children with gastroenteritis.
- Authors: DE GRAZIA S; GIAMMANCO GM; COLOMBA C; BONINA L; CASCIO A; ARISTA S
- Publication year: 2004
- Type: Abstract in rivista (Abstract in rivista)
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/15036
Abstract
A 1-year study involving 157 gastroenteritis samples was conducted to investigate the role of human astrovirus, (HAstV) as a cause of gastroenteritis in Italian children aged < 2 years. The overall incidence of HAstV was 3.1%. Most cases occurred between March and May, and four of the five isolates were of the HAstV-1 type, the other being HAstV-3. Analysis of genetic variability showed that the three HAstV-1 isolates collected in 2000 clustered together, but separately from the 1999 isolate. The results indicated that HAstV should be considered as a potential diarrhoeal pathogen in Italian children. © 2004 Copyright by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases