[A method of detecting the rotavirus antigen in feces]

Counter-current immunoelectrophoresis (CCIEP) has been employed for indication of a rotaviral antigen. 50% feces homogenate in physiologic saline, clarified by centrifugation, has been used in the test, as well as a highly active antiserum of rabbits immunized with calf diarrhea (Nebraska strain) rotavirus. The results of parallel studies of 103 feces samples collected from children with acute gastroenteritis, carried out by CCIEP and electron microscopy, coincided in 84.5% of cases. The authors have examined the rotaviral antigen detection rate in children and adults suffering from acute gastroenteritis and in subjects who have had contacts with them; they have analyzed the periods when the antigen could be isolated from the feces and the relationship between the antigen detection rate, the patients' sex, and season. CCIEP is recommended to be widely employed for the detection of the rotaviral antigen in feces.