Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of astrovirus infections and
associated risks factors.
Methods: A prospective study was undertaken from May 2009 to March 2010, covering the rainy
and dry seasons, at the Saint Camille Medical Center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of
213 non hospitalized children less than 5 years of age with diarrhea were enrolled and examined
for astrovirus, others enteropathogens, and clinico-epidemiological aspects.
Results: Astroviruses prevalence among the enrolled children was 14.6%. Astrovirus infections
were common during the cold dry season from December to February (38.7%), during the rainy
season from June to September (54.8%), also during dry season in March (3.2%) and May (3.2%).
Children younger than 11 months of age were most affected by astroviruses (16%). Moderate and
severe malnutrition influenced more severe symptoms of astrovirus related diarrheas.
Conclusion: The present study shows that astroviruses have an important role in pediatric viralassociated diarrhea in Burkina Faso. Diarrhea is more severe in malnourished children.

Gastroenteritis; Astrovirus; Diarrhea; Malnutrition; Burkina Faso