The Etiology and Pathogenesis of Viral Gastroenteritis.

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to identify, cultivate and characterize ethiologic agents of human viral gastroenteritis, and to study the epidemiology and pathogenesis of infection in order to provide information necessary to attain the goals of prevention and cure of this common syndrome. We have adapted our previously prepared monoclonal antibody reagent against rotavirus to an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) format that is readily adaptable for use in field studies. This monoclonal EIA has greatly improved the sensitivity and specificity of rotavirus EIA detection with neonatal and adult stool specimens. We have also adapted our radioimmunoassay (RIA) for Norwalk virus to an EIA format. Our studies also show that detection of Norwalk antigen by EIA is an more sensitive means for diagnosing infection than serology for some patients. We found a serological relationship between Norwalk virus and the human enteric calicivirus reported by Cubitt. We are also continuing studies to develop monoclonal antibodies against the current noncultivatable Norwalk virus by immunization of mice with extensively purified virus. Keywords: viral diarrhea.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA177201

Entities

People

  • Neil R. Blacklow

Organizations

  • University of Massachusetts Medical School

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antibodies
  • Detection
  • Diarrhea
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Epidemiology
  • Etiology
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Immunization
  • Immunoassay
  • Infection
  • Medical Specialties
  • Pathogenesis
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Sensitivity
  • Serology
  • Wound Infections

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Microbial Pathology