title: Comparison of a new rapid test (TestPack Rotavirus) with standard enzyme immunoassay and electron microscopy for the detection of rotavirus in symptomatic hospitalized children.
abstract: We compared a new, rapid, qualitative test for rotavirus (TestPack Rotavirus; Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Ill.) with another enzyme immunoassay (Pathfinder Rotavirus; Kallestad Laboratories, Inc., Austin, Tex.) and electron microscopy to determine its clinical utility in a population of symptomatic hospitalized children. In the first part of the study, 100 frozen stool samples were tested. The results after resolution with a blocking reagent showed a sensitivity of only 50% and a specificity of 88% for TestPack Rotavirus. In the second part of the study, we tested TestPack Rotavirus on 100 fresh, unfrozen samples. The results (sensitivity/specificity) were as follows: TestPack Rotavirus, 95/90%; Pathfinder Rotavirus, 84/98%; direct electron microscopy, 63/100%. Although it was not as sensitive or specific as immune electron microscopy, TestPack Rotavirus was more sensitive than direct electron microscopy or Kallestad Pathfinder Rotavirus. TestPack Rotavirus represents a rapid, qualitative method for the detection of rotavirus in stools of symptomatic children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Florida 32806.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Franklin
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic