Avidin-biotin radioimmunoassay for human rotavirus

RIAs have a number of advantages which make them ideally suited for use in diagnostic microbiology. These advantages include sensitivity, objectivity, and versatility. However, the widespread application of RIAs has been limited by the instability of the reagents required for the performance of available solid-phase RIAs. The relatively short half-life of gamma-emitting isotopes is particularly a problem in cases where multiple antigens must be assayed, since distinct radioactively labeled reagents are required for each antigen to be measured. The problems associated with the use of standard RIAs could be avoided if the specific immunoglobulin directed at the antigen were labeled with a stable, nonradioactive isotope and if a generally reactive radioactive ligand were bound in a subsequent reaction. We have thus developed RIA systems that use immunoglobulin linked with biotin by reaction with biotin N-hydroxysuccinamide ester [1]. The biotin bound to the solid phase is subsequently measured by reaction with unlabeled avidin and 3H-labeled biotin (New England Nuclear Corp, Boston). The reaction is quantitated by the measurement of tritiated biotin in a standard scintillation counter. This reaction format takes advantage of the stability of biotin-immunoglobulin conjugates, the high affinity of biotin to avidin, and the fact that a single molecule of avidin can react with four molecules of biotin [2]. We devised an avidin-biotin RIA that uses goat and guinea pig antisera directed at human rotavirus and used it to detect rotavirus in 44 stool specimens obtained from children with acute gastroenteritis during the winter months [3].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)