Background: Rotavirus is considered worldwide as one of the most important viral gastrointestinal infections, resulting in potentially life-threatening diarrhoea and death in children under the age of 5 years. Rotavirus can survive and remain infectious for long periods outside of the human body and can be easily transmitted via environmental surfaces.
Method: Stool specimens that had been collected and stored since 2010/2011 at 2°C - 8°C instead of -20°C or -80°C were analysed to determine the viability of rotavirus in these specimens after 6 years of improper storage. The specimens were analysed using simple enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods from two different suppliers at different times throughout the period (2012-2017).
Results: The analysis showed similar detection results for the two EIA kits.
Conclusion: The rotavirus can be detected after several years of incorrect storage with EIA kits.
Keywords: diarrhoea; enzyme immunoassays; rotavirus; specimen storage; specimen viability.
© 2020. The Authors.