 |
Of the 8 viruses, serotype1
is by far the most common. In Oxford, UK, from 1975-1992,
65-72% of all astroviruses encountered were found to be serotype 1.
Serotype 2, 3, 4, and 5 each counted for 6-8%. Serotype 6 and 7 are
extremely rare and serotype 8 was only very recently discovered. |
|
A monoclonal antibody produced by
Hermann (et al) has been developed as a capture/detector antibody in enzyme
immunoassays for use in seroepidemiological studies. This enables
researches to more easily examine the seroprevalence of the various strains
of astroviruses. The antibody targets an epitope of the highly
conserved N-terminus ORF-2 product. This is a capsid protein.
The antibody recognizes all 8 human serotypes. |
|
Once the presence of an astrovirus
is detected with the Hermann monoclonal antibody and EIA, a typing enzyme
immunoassay (TYPE-EIA) with serotype-specific reference antisera is used to
assess which serotype of astrovirus is present. |
|
These studies have found that, as
mentioned, serotype 1 is the most prevalent strain. This can vary
however with location |
|
Serotype 4 has been associated
with severe gastroenteritis in young adults.
This is in contrast to the vast majority of astrovirus infections which
affect primarily children. |
|
In Europe, serotype 3 is the 2nd
or 3rd most common. |
|
In Mexico, serotype 2 is thought
to be the most prevalent and serotype 1 is relatively rare. |
|
In Japan, food-borne outbreaks of
serotype 6 have occurred. |
