Detection of VP6 Antigen in Children with Rota Virus Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Background: To detect the VP6 antigen in children with Rota virus gastroenteritis. Subjects and Methods: One hundred twenty- nine children aged less than 5 years were selected in the study. Detection of rotavirus antigen in stool samples was done with by ELISA. In this test, monoclonal antibodies against the product of the sixth viral gene (VP6) were used in a sandwich-type method. Results: Positive cases were 46 (65%) males and 25 (35%) females. Mothers having high school/college education has 52, primary/middle school had 10 cases and those having nil education had 9 Rota virus positive cases. 3 cases had fathers occupation as Daily wages worker, 48 had permanent job and 20 had temporary job. 28% cases were first born and 72% were late born. There were 10 cases having breast feeding habits, 40 cases had formula feeding and 21 had mix feeding habit. Conclusion: VP6 rotavirus antigen was detected in stools of children having gastroenteritis.