Astroviruses cause gastroenteritis by causing destruction of the intestinal epithelium, leading to the inhibition of usual absorption mechanism, loss of secretory functions, and decrease in epithelial permeability in the intestines.
The presence of astroviruses leads to gastrointestinal illness through the degradation of the intestinal lining's structure, which subsequently interferes with the body's usual method of nutrient absorption, diminishes its ability to secrete essential substances, and reduces the overall permeability of the intestinal lining.