[Infectious viral diarrheas. Comparison of research methods for rotaviruses]

Radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) are generally recommended for routine diagnosis of rotavirus infection in childhood gastroenteritis. Expensive and delicate, these techniques are ill-suited for processing a small number of samples. Recently, Latex agglutination tests have been introduced than can be performed by non specialized hospital laboratories. However, some questions have been raised as to the sensitivity and specificity of these tests. We have sought a direct appraisal of latex agglutination testing by comparing two enzyme immunoassays and two latex tests (Rotazyme, Enzygnost-Rotavirus, Rotalex, Slidex Rota-kit). Three comparative studies that involved 1217 stool samples from children with gastroenteritis were carried out. Specificity, sensitivity, of latex tests compared favorably with the more sophisticated EIA, they represent a very convenient alternative for routine laboratory use provided latex tests with low rate of non-specific agglutinations are chosen.