[Detection of rotavirus in patients with malabsorption]

Investigations were carried out to evaluate frequency and pathogenic effects of rotaviruses. For this purpose 53 biopsy specimens were taken from the jejunum, especially of children at an age up to 15. Because of their malabsorption the patients have undergone a special gastroenterological treatment for years or they only recently began with it, being suspected of suffering from this disease. Rotavirus antigen was indicated in 43% of the cases by means of immunohistology, at which only less part of the patients (sucklings and infants) showed a corresponding symptomatology. The greater part of the patients was without findings in the relevant sense.