Human rotavirus detection in stool specimens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and latex agglutination test

A total of 194 stool samples from sick and healthy children were tested by three commercial tests: two Rotavirus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and one latex agglutination test (LTX). The concordance, sensibility and specificity of these tests were calculated. The results suggest to consider as positive the samples reactive to two enzyme immunoassays at least. The latex test, although less sensitive than Enzygnost-Rotavirus and Rotazyme II, was found to be especially useful for the rapid diagnosis of rotavirus gastroenteritis when used to test the first available stool sample from acutely ill patients.