Abstract
BackgroundRotavirus 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.MethodStool 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).ResultsThe analysis showed similar detection results for the two EIA kits.ConclusionThe rotavirus can be detected after several years of incorrect storage with EIA kits.
Highlights
In spite of the introduction of various rotavirus vaccine programmes, rotavirus infection remains one of the major causes of mortality in developing countries.[1]
The rotavirus can be detected after several years of incorrect storage with enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits
The aim of this study was to determine if the specimens collected in 2010/2011 and stored at 2°C – 8°C are still viable for rotavirus detection/screening after years of storage at non-optimal temperatures, and if the virus can still be detected in the specimen by means of EIA kits
Summary
In spite of the introduction of various rotavirus vaccine programmes, rotavirus infection remains one of the major causes of mortality in developing countries.[1]. The virus is incredibly resilient in the environment and can remain infectious for weeks outside of the human body.[2] In addition, rotaviruses are highly contagious, with only small amounts (10–100 particles) of virus needed to infect humans.[2] According to Rzeżutka and Cook,[6] transmission and spread of gastrointestinal viruses, such as rotavirus, is determined by how long they can survive outside of the host If they are robust and can survive for long periods in the environment while still remaining infectious, their chances of spreading and causing disease are increased. Rotavirus can survive and remain infectious for long periods outside of the human body and can be transmitted via environmental surfaces
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