A dot hybridisation assay for detection of rotavirus.
A "dot" hybridisation technique for the detection of rotavirus in stools and other biological materials is described. The assay is based on the in-situ hybridisation of labelled single-stranded RNA probes, obtained by in-vitro transcription of rotavirus particles, to heat-denatured rotavirus RNA immobilised on nitrocellulose membranes. The method is highly specific and allows for the detection of as little as 8 pg of viral RNA. Its use for the detection of rotavirus in stool suspensions and rectal swabs obtained from children with diarrhoea may facilitate epidemiological studies of rotavirus gastroenteritis.
PubMed Abstracts
PubMed Abstracts