Detection of enteroviruses from clinical specimens by spin amplification shell vial culture and monoclonal antibody assay

Conventional tube cell culture was compared with a 72-h, spin-amplified shell vial indirect immunofluorescence assay for the detection of enterovirus from clinical specimens. The sensitivity and specificity for the shell vial assay after resolution of discrepant results were 93 and 100%, respectively. The shell vial assay detected 93% of the positive cultures within 72 h of incubation while conventional tube culture detected only 51% of the positive cultures within the same time interval. The data suggest that a spin-amplified shell vial indirect immunofluorescence assay may be useful for the detection of enterovirus from clinical specimens.