First rotavirus, now astrovirus: the evolving benefits of RT-PCR.
We compared RT-PCR and a newly developed amplified EIA for the detection of human astrovirus (HAstV) in 48 stool samples taken from children of less than five years of age with gastroenteritis. The RT-PCR classified more samples as positive than the EIA (18 versus 8). Without sensitive diagnosis, infection control policies will be disadvantaged and the true economic burden of HAstV underestimated.
Gunson
R N
RN
West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital, Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN. rory.gunson@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
Mackie
P
P
Leanord
A
A
Carman
W F
WF
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001483:Base Sequence; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017931:DNA Primers; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D001257:Mamastrovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D012606:Scotland; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D017931:DNA Primers