Atypical rotavirus genomic patterns identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract

Two atypical "short" rotavirus genomic profiles were detected in stool specimens following the testing of 84 children with diarrhoea. Both rotaviruses were identified as Group A, and confirmation was performed by blocking assay using antiserum against simian rotavirus SA-11. This report underscores the importance of screening on the molecular level to detect atypical or unusual rotaviruses that would normally proceed unrecognised by testing with any of the commercial antigen detection kits.