PEDBASE.org - The Pediatric Database - Detailed information of ASTROVIRUS ENTERITIS

ASTROVIRUS ENTERITIS

DEFINITION:

A viral infectious disease of the small bowel caused by an ?RNA virus resulting in a secretory diarrhea.

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

incidence: 1-5%
risk factors:
- age: all ages
- season: ?
- route: indirect: food, water
- environ: epidemic - paediatric wards
incubation period: ?

PATHOGENESIS:

1. Background

75% of children 5-10 years of age have astrovirus antibodies
asymptomatic virus shedding has been noted in the newborn

CLINICAL FEATURES:

1. Prodrome

?

2. Diarrhea

in 30% of patients infected with astrovirus
self-limiting lasting on average 12 hrs with complete recovery in 48 hours
associated symptoms
- nausea/vomiting (64%)
- abdominal pain (49%)
- fever > 37.5 C (30%)

INVESTIGATIONS:

1. Stool

astrovirus detected by immune EM, immunofluorescence of infected tissue cultures

MANAGEMENT:

1. Supportive

oral rehydration fluid (ORF) or intravenous rehydration

Pediatric Database - ASTROVIRUS ENTERITIS

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