Development of a rotavirus plaque assay using Sephadex G-75

A rapid, reproducible and easily performed plaque assay is described for use with a variety of rotavirus strains. Plaque formation was induced in MA-104 cells by the use of Sephadex G-75, instead of the traditional agar, and crystalline trypsin in the overlay. Formation of large, discrete, easily read plaques was noted in both human and non-human rotavirus strains.