Astrovirus infection among children with gastroenteritis in the city of Zaragoza, Spain

The incidence of astrovirus infection in children less than 10 years of age with gastroenteritis ire the city of Zaragoza, Spain, was analysed during a 12- month period. A total of 718 stool samples obtained from 534 children were examined. In 401 samples no routinely searched for pathogenic organis m was detected; these specimens were then tested for the presence of astrov irus antigens. Astrovirus was detected in the samples of 15 (5.5%) patients , a detection rate similar to that recognised for Yersinia enterocolitica a nd Cryptosporidium spp. All children with confirmed astrovirus infection ha d diarrhoea (median duration, 9 days), 11 experienced loss of appetite, 5 v omiting, and 4 fever. The incidence of astrovirus infection reported here i ndicates that Spanish children suffering from gastroenteritis should be rou tinely screened for the presence of astrovirus.