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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
The use of aged stool specimens for the detection of rotavirus
Karin de Bruyn1, Elizabeth M C Theron1, John B Dewar2
1College of Agriculture and Environmental Science Laboratories, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, South Africa.
Background:
Rotavirus is considered worldwide as one of the most important viral gastrointestinal infections, resulting in potentially life-threatening diarrhoea and death in children under the age of 5 years. Rotavirus can survive and remain infectious for long periods outside of the human body and can be easily transmitted via environmental surfaces.
Method:
Stool specimens that had been collected and stored since 2010/2011 at 2°C - 8°C instead of -20°C or -80°C were analysed to determine the viability of rotavirus in these specimens after 6 years of improper storage. The specimens were analysed using simple enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods from two different suppliers at different times throughout the period (2012-2017).
Results:
The analysis showed similar detection results for the two EIA kits.
Conclusion:
The rotavirus can be detected after several years of incorrect storage with EIA kits.
