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A mass outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with group C rotaviral infection in schoolchildren
1Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
In 1988, a mass outbreak of epidemic diarrhea, i.e., consisting of 296 cases, occurred in Fukuoka Prefecture. Fecal samples from patients of the outbreak were cultured for bacteria, but all samples were negative. Although direct electron microscopy (DEM) revealed the existence of rotavirus-like particles (diam. 60-70 nm) in the fecal samples, serological studies could not detect any antigenic relation to the ordinary rotaviruses by the reverse passive hemagglutination (RPHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests or immune electron microscopy (IEM) examination. The outbreak appeared to be caused by group C rotaviruses, based on the pattern of electrophoretic migration of RNA genome segments in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Furthermore, IEM examination showed large aggregates of virus particles and antibodies when the virus particles were incubated with a reference serum specific for group C rotaviruses.
Insights
A 1988 epidemic diarrhea outbreak in Fukuoka was caused by novel group C rotaviruses. Standard tests failed, but RNA analysis and immune electron microscopy identified the unusual viral agent.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A large outbreak of epidemic diarrhea occurred in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1988, affecting 296 individuals.
- Initial bacterial cultures from patient fecal samples were negative, indicating a non-bacterial cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the 1988 epidemic diarrhea outbreak in Fukuoka Prefecture.
- To investigate the potential role of rotaviruses, including novel strains, in the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Direct electron microscopy (DEM) was used to visualize virus-like particles in fecal samples.
- Serological tests, including reverse passive hemagglutination (RPHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were performed to detect common rotaviruses.
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was employed to analyze the RNA genome segments of the detected virus.
- Immune electron microscopy (IEM) was utilized with specific antisera for rotavirus group C.
Main Results:
- DEM revealed rotavirus-like particles (60-70 nm) in fecal samples.
- Standard serological tests (RPHA, ELISA) and initial IEM did not show antigenic relationships to common rotaviruses.
- PAGE analysis of RNA genome segments suggested the presence of group C rotaviruses.
- IEM confirmed the presence of group C rotaviruses by observing characteristic aggregation with specific antisera.
Conclusions:
- The 1988 epidemic diarrhea outbreak in Fukuoka Prefecture was likely caused by group C rotaviruses.
- Group C rotaviruses represent a significant cause of epidemic diarrhea, distinct from common rotavirus strains.
- Advanced molecular and immunological techniques are crucial for identifying novel or uncommon viral pathogens.