An annoying enteric virus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of human astroviruses and gastrointestinal complications in children
Abstract
Human astroviruses (HAstVs) have frequently been detected in individuals with acute gastroenteritis (AGE). However, a precise estimate of the overall prevalence of the virus in children with AGE as well as the possible association of the virus with gastrointestinal complications is not available up to now. The present study estimated the overall prevalence of HAstVs in children with gastrointestinal complications as well as the association between the virus and symptoms. We systematically searched four international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar) to find studies on the prevalence of HAstVs in people with AGE published between Jan 2000 and Sep 2021. Analysis of the 223 included studies presented a 4.2% (95% CI 3.8%–4.8%) prevalence of the virus in AGE individuals. Based on case‐control studies, a significant association between these viruses and AGE was detected (OR: 2.059, 95% CI; 1.438–2.949). HAstV‐1 and HAstV‐VA‐2 is the most and least common genotypes in the AGE patients, respectively (59.0%, 95% CI: 52.1%–65.6% vs. 4.9%, 95% CI: 2.6%–9.1%). Due to the statistically significant association between HAstV and gastrointestinal complications, more attention should be paid to these viruses in people with AGE and more studies should employ case‐control design.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Patient-Centered Pharmaceutical Design to Improve Acceptability of Medicines: Similarities and Differences in Paediatric and Geriatric Populations
- Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome 2020
- Phase 2b Study of Pimodivir (JNJ-63623872) as Monotherapy or in Combination With Oseltamivir for Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Seasonal Influenza A: TOPAZ Trial
- Gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19
- COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Disease: Implications for the Gastroenterologist
- Persistent gut barrier damage and commensal bacterial influx following eradication of Giardia infection in mice
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.