Rotavirus infection of Thai infants: antigen detection, RNA electrophoresis and virus cultivation.

Abstract

Two hundred and six faecal specimens were obtained from diarrhoeal children in hospitals at three locations in Thailand : Bangkok, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai. Three diagnostic techniques were used to detect rotavirus : an ELISA for antigen detection, RNA electrophoresis followed by silver staining of the RNA bands to detect rotavirus genomes, plus electropherotyping, and virus isolation in tissue culture. About half of the specimens collected in the dry, winter season were rotavirus-positive by ELISA and RNA electrophoresis; both the long and short RNA patterns were detected, the former being predominant. The prevalence of rotavirus diarrhoea was conspicuously low in the autumn and early summer months. RNA electrophoresis did not detect any atypical rotavirus. Twenty-eight strains of rota virus were isolated in primary monkey kidney cells from 88 faecal specimens which were positive by both ELISA and RNA electrophoresis.