Related Experiment Videos
Laboratory investigations on rotavirus in infantile gastroenteritis in Jamaica
G Dowe1, S D King, P B Maitland
1Department of Microbiology, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica.
Insights
Rotaviruses caused acute gastroenteritis in 19% of Jamaican children under five. The sensitive ELISA test is ideal for diagnosing rotavirus infections in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children globally.
- Understanding rotavirus prevalence and diagnostic methods is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus in Jamaican children with acute gastroenteritis.
- To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of ELISA and electron microscopy for rotavirus detection.
- To assess the suitability of ELISA for rotavirus diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Faecal specimens were collected from children under five with acute gastroenteritis and a control group.
- Rotavirus detection was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electron microscopy.
- Prevalence data were analyzed in relation to age and season.
Main Results:
- Rotaviruses were detected in 19% of children with gastroenteritis versus 1.4% in controls.
- Prevalence peaked in cooler months, with January showing 46% detection.
- ELISA demonstrated higher sensitivity than electron microscopy, particularly for weak positives.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant cause of acute gastroenteritis in Jamaican children under five.
- ELISA is a sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid diagnostic tool for rotavirus, suitable for developing countries.
Abstract:
Between March 1982 and March 1983 rotaviruses were detected in faecal specimens from 193 (19%) of 1020 Jamaican children under 5 years old with acute gastroenteritis. The excretion of rotaviruses in a control group of non-diarrhoeal children was only 1.4%. Rotaviruses were detected more frequently in the cooler months of the year; the prevalence ranged from 1.7% in August to 46% in January. In a comparison of the ELISA technique and electron microscopy for investigating rotavirus infections, the ELISA was demonstrated to be more sensitive especially for weakly positive cases. Because of its relative simplicity, low cost and rapidity the ELISA appears to be more suitable for use in developing countries.