The Big Picture Book of Viruses

The Big Picture Book of Viruses: Astrovirus

ICTVdB Description:

Taxonomy:

Taxonomic structure of the family.

Genus Astrovirus

Host:

Virus infects vertebrates.

Genome:

Virions contain one molecule of Presumed to be positive-sense single stranded RNA.

Total genome length is about 6800-7900 nt. 3' end has a poly (A) tract. Each virion contains longer than full length copy.

Morphology:

Virions not enveloped. Nucleocapsids isometric; sometimes penetrated by stain; with obvious regular surface structure (star-like with five or six points); 27-30 nm in diameter. Symmetry polyhedral. Nucleocapsids appear to be round. Surface capsomer arrangement obvious. Surface projections of nucleocapsid small (surface appears rough); spikes; restricted to (vertices).

(Note: for more information about the taxonomy and structure of this virus family, see the ICTV database below.)

More Information about Astroviruses:

Taxonomy: ICTVdB Data Books: Amazon.com

WWW Sites: ATV Sites! Viral Genomes: Entrez

Tutorials: Available! Viral Genes: Genbank

News Articles: From Yahoo! Medical Research Articles: MEDLINE

Astroviridae Images

Unclassified Images

EM Images Example Virus Name Image Description

An Astrovirus An astrovirus image from the ICTVdB.

human astroviruses Micrograph prepared by Dr Hans Ackermann, Department of Microbiology, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.

Specimen stained with 2 % PTA . The bar represents 100 nm. Primary magnification 29,700 x

human astroviruses A colorized electron micrograph.
From Prof. Stewart McNulty, Veterinary Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.

human astroviruses Magnification = 250000x.
From Prof. Stewart McNulty, Veterinary Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.

human astroviruses
30-40 nanometers X 110,000. Known and named for their starlike clusters, Astroviruses are associated with flu-like symptoms in humans. This image is from a stool sample and is available from Custom Medical Stock Photo, Inc.

human astroviruses Note the star-like images exhibited by individual virus particles. These are distinct from the 'Star of David' image exhibited by typical calicivirus particles. Bar = 50 nanometers. Source: Stool sample from an individual with gastroenteritis. Method: Negative-stain Transmission Electron Microscopy.
From the EPA's Microbiology Website.

Classified Images

Genus Astrovirus

N/A human astrovirus 1

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Established 5/95.

Astroviridae Images
Unclassified Images
EM Images	Example Virus Name	Image Description
	An Astrovirus	An astrovirus image from the ICTVdB.
	human astroviruses	Micrograph prepared by Dr Hans Ackermann, Department of Microbiology, Laval University, Quebec, Canada. Specimen stained with 2 % PTA . The bar represents 100 nm. Primary magnification 29,700 x
	human astroviruses	A colorized electron micrograph. From Prof. Stewart McNulty, Veterinary Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
	human astroviruses	Magnification = 250000x. From Prof. Stewart McNulty, Veterinary Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
	human astroviruses	30-40 nanometers X 110,000. Known and named for their starlike clusters, Astroviruses are associated with flu-like symptoms in humans. This image is from a stool sample and is available from Custom Medical Stock Photo, Inc.
	human astroviruses	Note the star-like images exhibited by individual virus particles. These are distinct from the 'Star of David' image exhibited by typical calicivirus particles. Bar = 50 nanometers. Source: Stool sample from an individual with gastroenteritis. Method: Negative-stain Transmission Electron Microscopy. From the EPA's Microbiology Website.
Classified Images
Genus Astrovirus
N/A	human astrovirus 1