The use of aged stool specimens for the detection of rotavirus

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus is considered worldwide as one of the most important viral gastrointestinal infections, resulting in potentially life-threatening diarrhoea and death in children under the age of 5 years. Rotavirus can survive and remain infectious for long periods outside of the human body and can be easily transmitted via environmental surfaces. Method: Stool specimens that had been collected and stored since 2010/2011 at 2°C – 8°C instead of −20°C or −80°C were analysed to determine the viability of rotavirus in these specimens after 6 years of improper storage. The specimens were analysed using simple enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods from two different suppliers at different times throughout the period (2012–2017). Results: The analysis showed similar detection results for the two EIA kits. Conclusion: The rotavirus can be detected after several years of incorrect storage with EIA kits.

Keywords

• diarrhoea
• enzyme immunoassays
• rotavirus
• specimen storage
• specimen viability.