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.
West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital, Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN. rory.gunson@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
R N
RN
Gunson
P
P
Mackie
A
A
Leanord
W F
WF
Carman
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