RNA polymerase associated with human rotaviruses in diarrhea stools

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a significant cause of illness in infants.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of rotavirus replication is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and association of RNA polymerase activity in infant rotavirus gastroenteritis stools.
• To determine if RNA polymerase activity is a marker for rotavirus infection.

Main Methods:

• Partial purification of stool samples using high-speed centrifugation.
• Detection of RNA polymerase activity.
• Rotavirus detection using counterimmunoelectrophoresis and radioimmunoassay.
• Purification of viral particles in a cesium chloride (CsCl) density gradient.

Main Results:

• RNA polymerase activity was detected in six out of six stools positive for rotavirus.
• No RNA polymerase activity was detected in five stools negative for rotavirus.
• The detected polymerase activity co-purified with the rotavirus band at a density of 1.38 g/ml in CsCl gradients.

Conclusions:

• The study provides evidence for the presence of RNA polymerase activity associated with rotavirus in infected infant stools.
• This finding suggests that rotavirus possesses its own RNA polymerase, essential for its replication cycle.