Isolation and subgrouping of rotaviruses from buffalo calves in Sri Lanka

Twenty-eight faecal specimens from Sri Lankan buffalo calves shown to be positive for rotavirus group A antigen were subgrouped by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, by using monoclonal antibodies prepared against subgroup I and II antigens. The 13 of the 28 specimens which were classified as strongly positive belonged to subgroup I. Three of five faecal specimens inoculated on to roller cultures of MA104 cells yielded group A subgroup I rotavirus. As with other group A rotaviruses isolated from human beings and young animals, the buffalo isolates required pre-treatment with trypsin and to have trypsin incorporated in the maintenance medium, and the inoculated cell cultures had to be rolled; at least six serial passages were required before distinct rotavirus cytopathic effects were produced in the MA104 cells.