Evaluation of seven immunochromatographic assays for the rapid detection of human rotaviruses in fecal specimens

Seven commercially available immunochromatographic assays were tested for the rapid detection of group A rotaviruses in fecal samples compared to a enzyme immunoassay (Argene). Detection of rotaviruses in 80 ELISA positive frozen stool samples showed rates superior to 90% for three reagents (Rota Strip (Cypress Diagnostics), 98.8%; Rotascreen (Microgefi), 95.0%; VIKIA Rota/Adeno (bioMerieux), 92.5%); from 82.5% to 88.8% for three others (Diarlex with centrifugation (Orion. Diagnostica), 88.8%; Combo Rota/Adeno (All Diag), 87.5%; Rota/Adeno Combi Stick (bmd), 82.5%) and only 70.0% for Diarlex with filtration vial (Orion Diagnostica). The evaluation of the specificity, performed on one hundred fresh rotavirus negative stools, did not show any false positives with any assay. Analysis of the different technical features of these tests showed that they are quick and suitable for a clinical laboratory and do not, require expensive equipment. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.