Serological Studies Confirm the Novel Astrovirus HMOAstV-C as a Highly Prevalent Human Infectious Agent
2011

High Prevalence of HMOAstV-C in Humans

Sample size: 209 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Burbelo Peter D., Ching Kathryn H., Esper Frank, Iadarola Michael J., Delwart Eric, Lipkin W. Ian, Kapoor Amit

Primary Institution: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health

Hypothesis

Is HMOAstV-C a prevalent human infectious agent?

Conclusion

HMOAstV-C is a common infectious agent circulating in human populations, with a seroprevalence of approximately 65% in adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • 65% of healthy adult US blood donors were seropositive for HMOAstV-C.
  • The prevalence of antibodies in children increased with age.
  • 50% of infants showed anti-HMOAstV-C antibody responses, likely due to maternal antibodies.

Takeaway

This study found that many adults have antibodies against a virus called HMOAstV-C, which means they have been infected with it. Kids also show some antibodies, but not as many as adults.

Methodology

The study used the Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System (LIPS) to analyze serum samples for antibodies against HMOAstV-C.

Limitations

The study did not include clinical information about the serum donors, which may limit the understanding of the infection's impact.

Participant Demographics

The study included 106 adult healthy blood donors and 103 children from various age groups.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.005

Statistical Significance

p<0.005

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022576

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