Bovine rotavirus type detection by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

A series of monoclonal antibodies were developed against bovine rotavirus Q17. Among the five high affinity antibodies characterized, two (RQ 31 and RQ 4) were able to neutralize type G 6 viruses and may be specific for PB 1 type virus. Seventy seven feces from diarrheic calves were tested by "double sandwich" ELISA using four monoclonal and one polyclonal anti-rotavirus antibodies. The combination of mono- and polyclonal antibodies thus appears to be a more efficient strategy for detection and typing of bovine rotaviruses.