Rapid detection of rotavirus by using colloidal gold particles labeled with monoclonal antibody.

A rapid single-step, sensitive and specific immunogold assay is described for detection of rotavirus. Murine monoclonal antibody (MCA) to the group antigen of rotavirus was dotted on a nitrocellulose paper strip. This was used to capture the rotavirus antigen which was revealed using a conjugate consisting of the MCA conjugated to gold particles. This assay detects 5 x 10(7) particles of rotavirus. It also acutely detected rotavirus from fecal samples, but failed to show any reaction with microscopically confirmed fecal samples containing G. lamblia and E. histolytica. The time taken for the test was approximately 10 min. Its versatility, simplicity, sensitivity and specificity makes it useful for third world countries.