Serotype diversity of astroviruses in Rawalpindi, Pakistan during 2009-2010

PLoS One. 2013 Apr 18;8(4):e61667. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061667. Print 2013.

Abstract

Astroviruses are globally known enteropathogens causing gastroenteritis and diarrhea, with eight well defined serotypes. Epidemiological studies have recognized serotype-1 as the most common subtype but no such data is available in Pakistan. During 2009-2010, we found astroviruses in 41 out of 535 (7%) samples collected from hospitalized children. Thirty one strains belonged to serotype-1 and clustered into two distinct lineages. Serotype-3, -4 and -6 were detected with 97-98% genetic homology to Indian and Chinese strains.

MeSH terms

  • Astroviridae / classification*
  • Astroviridae Infections / virology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / virology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pakistan
  • Phylogeny
  • Serotyping

Grants and funding

The authors have no support or funding to report.