Comparison of methods for immunocytochemical detection of rotavirus infections.

Rotavirus infections in intestinal tissues of animals or in tissue culture cells were detected by the immunocytochemical unlabeled soluble enzyme peroxidase antiperoxidase method. Comparison of the immunofluorescence and peroxidase antiperoxidase immunological staining techniques revealed that the two methods are equally sensitive for detection of rotavirus-infected cells. The peroxidase antiperoxidase technique offers the advantages of negligible nonspecific staining reactions, the use of a standard light microscope, the production of permanent slides, and the conservation of immunological reagents. The ability to detect antigens in paraffin-embedded tissues enhances the usefulness of the peroxidase antiperoxidase test for both prospective and retrospective studies.