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

J Infect Dis. 1998 Aug;178(2):334-9. doi: 10.1086/515625.

Abstract

Symptomatic and asymptomatic astrovirus infection was prospectively determined in a 3-year birth cohort of Mayan infants. Stool samples from 271 infants and 268 older siblings were tested for astrovirus, adenovirus 40/41, rotavirus and Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter species. Concurrent diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or anorexia were noted. Astrovirus was detected in 164 infants (61%) and 20 siblings (7%). Rotavirus (4%) and adenovirus 40/41 (13%) were isolated less frequently. Of all diarrheal episodes reported at a visit, 26% (78/305) were associated with astrovirus; 17% (78/452) of astrovirus infections were associated with diarrhea and 9% with other symptoms. Only diarrhea was associated with astrovirus infection (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.92; P = .01). Of infants with astrovirus, 70% shed at multiple visits over a period of 2-17 weeks (median, 5). The point prevalence of astrovirus infection was significantly higher among infants than siblings (relative risk, 6.18; 95% CI, 3.93-9.72; P < .0001, chi2). Astrovirus was identified throughout the year, peaked in March and May, and decreased in September. In this population, astrovirus was the most common enteric pathogen isolated; symptomatic infection was prevalent among infants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Adenoviridae Infections / immunology
  • Astroviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Astroviridae Infections / immunology
  • Astroviridae Infections / physiopathology
  • Astroviridae Infections / virology
  • Astroviridae* / genetics
  • Astroviridae* / immunology
  • Campylobacter Infections / diagnosis
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / epidemiology
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / virology
  • Dysentery, Bacillary / diagnosis
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Feces / virology
  • Humans
  • Indians, Central American*
  • Infant
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rotavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Rotavirus Infections / immunology
  • Rural Population*
  • Salmonella Infections / diagnosis
  • Seasons