Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of human rotavirus in stools

A simple method for the detection of human rotavirus in stools is described, using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Polysterene microtitre plates were used as solid phase. Four capture antibodies were tried, bovine, egg-derived, guinea pig and monoclonal antibody to rotavirus. Both bovine and egg-derived antirotavirus labelled with horseradish peroxidase were used as the detecting antibodies. The results obtained were compared with a commercially available ELISA, Rotazyme (Abbott Laboratories), and also with the direct detection of rotavirus by electron microscopy. Bovine antibody was found to be an unsuitable capture antibody due to non-specific false positive reactions.