Astrovirus

Under the electron microscope, astroviruses appear as small, round viruses that have surface projections resembling a five- or six-pointed star.of positive-sense single stranded RNA.hence the name Astroviridae. Astroviruses are heat resistant for short periods above 56°C and survive for long periods below -20°C.

Organism Details:
Shape and Size
20-39nm. star-shaped
Genome Information
Astrovirus is a positive-strand viruses ( GI:-209902360) has a 6171 bp single stranded linear RNA.The genome structure consists of 3 genes and 3 proteins.The GC content of Astrovirus about 40.9%.
Food Source
Meat and Meat Products
Pathological Factor
Adenoviruses types 40 and 41.Only the adenovirus types 40 and 41 induce gastroenteritis, with most cases involving young children.They were identified in food such as shellfish. Foodborne transmission is not documented.
Disease
Some human volunteer studies of astrovirus infections have concluded that the virus is of relatively low pathogenicity in adults. Astrovirus diarrhea gene-rally is more mild than diarrhea due to rotavirus, and significant dehydration and hospitalization does not often result. Deaths related to astrovirus infection are very rare but have been reported. The illness differs from the NLV in that the incubation period is longer (3-4 days), the duration of illness is longer (often lasting for 7-14 days) and vomiting is less common, with diarrhea being the predominant symptom. In addition, the very young (<1 year) appear to be the most susceptible group, whereas NLV affect all age groups.
Affected Body Organs
Classification
Group Group-IV-((+)ssRNA)
Family Astroviridae
Genus Avastrovirus
Species Avian-nephritis virus