Isolation of group A human rotaviruses from faecal specimens in monkey MA-104 cells

Human rotaviruses present in faecal specimens of patients with gastroenteritis were isolated and adapted to growth in MA-104 cells in roller tubes using trypsin pretreatment. Storage temperature-dependent differences were found in the extent of cytopathic effect. Multiplication of viruses in cell cultures was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy and ELISA. Electrophoresis of rotavirus RNA in polyacrylamide gel was used to verify the identity of the electropherotypes determined in original faecal specimens and in final cell passages.