Rotavirus infection in Otago: a serological study.

A method for measuring rotavirus antibody in human sera has been established using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A Simian strain of rotavirus (SA11) was used as the antigen. Serum eluted from dried blood spots on good quality chromatography paper was found suitable for analysis. Paired serum samples from children with gastroenteritis have shown a brisk antibody response in association with the presence of rotavirus in the faeces. Community studies indicate that although all older children and adults tested have detectable antibodies to rotavirus, there is a significant rise in the number of individuals with high titre antibody in the child bearing age group, after which the levels diminish. This finding suggests that repeated infections occur throughout childhood and early adult life.