Improved detection of rotavirus shedding by polymerase chain reaction
Key result
RT/PCR detected rotavirus in more faecal samples than enzyme immunoassay (58% vs 36%, p<0.002) and showed a longer geometric mean time of shedding (9.5 vs 5.7 days, p<0.018).
Why the study?
Does RT/PCR improve the detection of rotavirus shedding compared to enzyme immunoassay in hospitalized infants?
Population
40 children in an intermediate care unit after transfer from intensive care units. A subset of 9 infants…
Comparison
Reverse-transcriptase/PCR for detection of… vs Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for rotavirus…
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
up to 19 days
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
PCR may improve rotavirus shedding detection in hospitalized infants; leaves open whether it alters infection control or outcomes.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=40)
Structured PICO
Does RT/PCR improve the detection of rotavirus shedding compared to enzyme immunoassay in hospitalized infants?
P
Population
40 infants in an intermediate care unit during the winter peak of rotavirus infections, with a subset of 9 infants studied long-term for rotavirus shedding.
E
Exposure
Reverse-transcriptase (RT)/PCR for detection of rotavirus RNA
C
Comparator
Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for rotavirus antigen
O
Outcome
Detection rate of rotavirus shedding and duration of sheddingsurrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 58% vs 36%
p-value: p=<0.002
RT/PCR is more sensitive than enzyme immunoassay for detecting rotavirus shedding in infants, identifying shedding for a longer duration.
Cite This Study
Wilde et al. (1991) conducted an observational in Rotavirus infection (n=40). Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) vs. Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was evaluated on Detection of rotavirus in faecal samples (p=<0.002). RT/PCR detected rotavirus in more faecal samples than enzyme immunoassay (58% vs 36%, p<0.002) and showed a longer geometric mean time of shedding (9.5 vs 5.7 days, p<0.018).