Rotaviruses are the main cause of acute gastroenteritis, especially in children under the age of two years. Rotaviruses have been identified in almost 50% of the faeces of children with gastroenteritis, responsible for 600,000-800,000 death annually. Rotavirus infections occur frequently during the winter months. Gastroenteritis from enteric viruses can be mortal in risk populations such as children, the elderly or immunosuppressed individuals. Characteristic symptoms include vomiting, hydrodiarrhoea for between 3 and 8 days, high temperature and stomach pains. Rotaviruses transferred via the faecal-oral route are eliminated in large quantities into the intestine, so that hospital-borne infections from rotaviruses are regarded very seriously, particularly in baby stations and paediatric clinics, and are difficult to control. Early and reliable detection so that rotaviruses can be recognised and further infections avoided is therefore very important.
The Rotavirus Rapid Test Strip employs red gold-conjugated monoclonal antibodies against antigen VP6 of group A of rotavirus, and solid-phase specific rotavirus antibodies. In this test the specimen is first treated with an extraction solution to extract rotavirus antigens from the faces. Following extraction, the only step required is to add the extract to the reaction device. As the sample flows through the test membrane, the colored particles migrate. In the case of a positive result the specific antibodies present on the membrane will capture the colored particles. Red color lines will be visible, depending upon the virus content of the sample. These lines, after 5 minutes of incubation at room temperature, are used to interpret the result.
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