Astrovirus and digestive disorders in neonatal units

Abstract

This descriptive study argues for a possible association between HAstV and digestive symptoms in newborns specifically in preterm infants.

Epidemiology of Classic and Novel Human Astrovirus: Gastroenteritis and Beyond

“…Vomiting is less prevalent in astrovirus infection than in rotavirus or norovirus infection, and the incubation period is a little bit longer. In neonates, an association between HAstV infection and necrotizing enterocolitis has been observed by two independent studies [ 34 , 35 ].…”

A Clinical Perspective of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

“…Among viruses, NoV, astrovirus, torovirus, coronavirus, and rotavirus have been linked with outbreaks of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and necrotizing enterocolitis. 75,79,[84][85][86] In a recent study, compared with infants with rotavirus or norovirus enteritis, infants with astrovirus were more likely to develop NEC and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. 87 Viral enterotoxin, such as the nonstructural protein (NSP4) of rotavirus, stimulates a secretory response that is Ca 11 dependent that results in watery diarrhea in mature infants but hemorrhagic enteritis or NEC in premature infants.…”

Infectious Causes of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

“… 183 There are multiple reports associating astrovirus with NEC. 15 , 184 , 185 One report detected astrovirus in the stools of 6% of infants with either gastroenteritis or NEC. Infants with astrovirus more frequently acquired NEC (9 of 14) than those with norovirus (1 of 8) or rotavirus (2 of 12).…”

“… 184 Compared with uninfected infants, those with astrovirus had increased hematochezia (54% vs 15%) and Bell stage II and III NEC (21% vs 4%). 185 …”