Etiology and Rapid Diagnosis of Human Viral Gastroenteritis
Abstract
This project is assessing the etiology and establishing the rapid diagnosis of human viral gastroenteritis. Close attention is being given to the development and utilization of immunoassays to detect various etiologic agents, with the preparation and use of monoclonal antibody reagents were possible. We have succeeded in developing and evaluating an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test for the direct detection of astrovirus (small,, round diarrhea viruses) in human diarrheal stool samples. This test depends on the use of our previously developed monoclonal antibodies that react with a group antigen shared by all known astroviruses. EIA test to detect astroviruses in stool specimens will now permit us for the first time to assess the role of these viruses in acute gastroenteritis by performing extensive epidemiological studies. Quantitative techniques to be utilized in epidemiological and biological studies of human astroviruses are also being developed through virus plaquing and neutralization techniques. Using these methods, we have established that the Marin County agent of diarrhea is an astrovirus serotype 5, that we have been able to detect directly in stool samples.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210186
Entities
People
- Neil R. Blacklow
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Medical School