[Experiments to obtain and test a cell-culture rotavirus-precipitating antigen]

The location of the rotaviral precipitating antigen and the possibility for its production from cattle rotaviral strains adapted on cell cultures of calf kidney were investigated. Highest titer antigen was produced by concentration with ammonium sulfate simultaneously from the maintaining medium and from the cell monolayer. Comparative studies on the antigenic and physico-chemical properties of the cell-cultural and the faeces rotaviral precipitating antigen were made. The identity of both antigens was proven by the immunodiffuse reaction and by their resistance to ether and tripsine. A considerably higher temperature sensitivity was established of the cell-cultural precipitating antigen as compared to that from faeces. The precipitating antigen was used for confirming the presence of antirotaviral antibodies in the serums of cattle, man and sheep.