Evaluation of the second generation of a commercial latex agglutination test for the detection of rotavirus antigens in fecal samples.

BACKGROUND

Despite vaccine availability, the infection rate and disease burden associated with rotavirus infection are still high. Thus, accurate diagnosis of rotavirus infection continues to be necessary for proper patient clinical management and disease control.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of a novel, second generation, commercial latex tests (Pastorex™ Rotavirus latex agglutination test, BIORAD, Marnes-La-Coquette, France), for the detection of rotavirus in human feces.

STUDY DESIGN

Using 166 fecal samples collected from children with acute diarrhea, and previously tested for rotavirus, calicivirus and astrovirus, the second generation Pastorex™ Rotavirus latex agglutination test was evaluated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The test showed a sensitivity of 85.9% and a specificity of 97.7%. Positive and negative predicted values for the test were 97% and 88%, respectively. The results suggest that this commercial test is a good alternative for rotavirus diagnosis.