Enzyme immunoassay serotyping of 552 stored specimens successfully determined the rotavirus serotype in 62%, identifying serotype 1 as the most prevalent strain circulating each year.
Observational (n=552)
An enzyme immunoassay successfully serotyped 62% of historical rotavirus specimens, revealing distinct serotype prevalence patterns among different age groups and over time.
The development of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) capable of serotyping human rotavirus (HRV) in faecal extracts has enabled us to retrospectively study the epidemiology of rotavirus infection in Melbourne. Of 552 stored specimens obtained from individuals with rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis between 1975 and 1986, the serotype could be determined in 62%. Infection was most prevalent in two groups, neonates and children aged between 12 and 24 months. In these groups infection was due to different serotypes, type 1 in older children and an untypable virus in infants. Serotype 1 strains were detected in greater numbers than the other serotypes and circulated in each year of the study. Serotype 2 rotaviruses were associated with a large epidemic in 1978, but have been detected only rarely since.
Birch et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis (n=552). Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) serotyping was evaluated on Serotype determination. Enzyme immunoassay serotyping of 552 stored specimens successfully determined the rotavirus serotype in 62%, identifying serotype 1 as the most prevalent strain circulating each year.