Intra- and Cross-Species Transmission of Astroviruses.

Shanley N Roach,Ryan A Langlois

doi:10.3390/v13061127

Abstract

Astroviruses are non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that infect mammalian and avian species. In humans, astrovirus infections are one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis in children. Infection has also been linked to serious neurological complications, especially in immunocompromised individuals. More extensive disease has also been characterized in non-human mammalian and avian species. To date, astroviruses have been detected in over 80 different avian and mammalian hosts. As the number of hosts continues to rise, the need to understand how astroviruses transmit within a given species as well as to new host species becomes increasingly important. Here, we review the current understanding of astrovirus transmission, the factors that influence viral spread, and the potential for cross-species transmission. Additionally, we highlight the current gaps in knowledge and areas of future research that will be key to understanding astrovirus transmission and zoonotic potential.

Highlights

Astroviruses (AstVs) are small, non-enveloped viruses with a single-stranded, positive sense RNA genome
Broader disease has been documented in non-human mammalian and avian species, including enteritis, hepatitis, nephritis, and neurological symptoms [4,5,6,7,8]
AstVs are broken into two genera, mamastroviruses (MAstVs) and avastroviruses (AAstVs), based on whether they infect mammalian or avian species, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Astroviruses (AstVs) are small, non-enveloped viruses with a single-stranded, positive sense RNA genome. Broader disease has been documented in non-human mammalian and avian species, including enteritis, hepatitis, nephritis, and neurological symptoms [4,5,6,7,8]. Human interaction with infected farm animals and consumption of AstV contaminated animal products provide avenues for zoonotic transmission and are public health concerns. AstVs are broken into two genera, mamastroviruses (MAstVs) and avastroviruses (AAstVs), based on whether they infect mammalian or avian species, respectively. ORF1b is the least divergent region between species and serotypes of viruses, whereas ORF2 is the most divergent and is used to determine phylogeny between viruses [12]. Viruses 2021, 13, 1127 species and serotypes of viruses, whereas ORF2 is the most divergent and is used to determine phylogeny between viruses [12]

Schematic representation astrovirus genomic subgenomic

Mechanisms of Transmission

Mutation and Recombination

Cross-Species Transmission

Conclusions and Future Research