ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAYS BASED ON POLYCLONAL AND MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES FOR ROTAVIRUS DETECTION

Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for rotavirus antigen in feces, which were designed to be as sensitive and specific as possible, and easy to use anywhere, are described. Both are indirect methods, using the antibody capture method, but the second assay utilizes a rotavirus group-specific monoclonal detecting antibody instead of the hyperimmune polyvalent guinea pig antisera used in the first assay. Both tests were found to be more sensitive than EM for detecting virus. To develop these tests, solid phase, antiserum production methods, treatment of the test antigen with EDTA, substrate, stability of reagents and the need for confirmatory blocking tests were all examined. The first assay described is that used at present by WHO for their worldwide diarrheal disease control program.