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Atypical human rotaviruses in the G.D.R
Insights
Electron microscopy detected numerous rotaviruses in children with diarrhea, even when ELISA tests were negative. Atypical rotaviruses, identified by RNA migration, were also found, suggesting group C rotaviruses as a cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common illness in young children.
- Accurate identification of causative agents is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the aetiologic agents of diarrhea in children aged one to three years.
- To investigate the presence of atypical rotaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy (EM) was used to detect rotaviruses in stool samples.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for comparison.
- Electrophoretic analysis of RNA migration profiles was used to characterize rotaviruses.
Main Results:
- A large number of rotaviruses were detected by EM, despite negative ELISA results.
- Ten conventional (group A) and 21 antigenically distinct rotaviruses were identified in 141 children.
- Electropherotype patterns confirmed the presence of atypical rotaviruses, consistent with group C rotaviruses.
Conclusions:
- Electron microscopy is a sensitive method for detecting rotaviruses in pediatric diarrhea.
- Atypical rotaviruses, potentially group C, are present in children with diarrhea.
- Further investigation into atypical rotaviruses is warranted.
Abstract:
Following the aetiologic agent of diarrhoea in children aged one to three years we found in the stools a large number of rotaviruses by electron microscopy (EM), although ELISA was negative; the sensitivity of ELISA had been confirmed in previous investigations. In 141 children with diarrhoea 10 conventional (group A) and 21 antigenically distinct rotaviruses were detected. The presence of atypical rotaviruses could be confirmed by electrophoretic analysis of their RNA migration profiles. The electropherotype pattern corresponded to the group C rotaviruses reported by others.