Rotavirus persistence in malabsorption syndrome: virus assessment by immunofluorescence in small intestine biopsies in relation to antibody titres.

Results of quantitative immunofluorescence (IF) in small intestine biopsies and the serum antibody titres as detected by indirect Rotalex test in rotavirus infections were compared using regression and correlation analysis. Based on the significance of the statistically established correlation (r = 0.76; n = 30) between immunohistological identification of rotavirus antigen and determination of serum antibody levels, the indirect Rotalex test may be applied as a diagnostic tool to avoid biopsies in productive rotavirus persistence.