Rotavirus Serotypes by Serum Neutralisation

A neutralisation test using cell culture and indirect immunofluorescence was applied to isolates of rotavirus from 55 patients with gastroenteritis, in order to determine serotypes. Frequent cross-reactions were observed, but subsequent statistical analysis confirmed the existence of at least three distinct serotypes. Some results, not sufficient for analysis, suggest that at least five serotypes probably exist. It is suggested that two or more viral polypeptides might be involved in neutralisation, one of which might be common to another serotype(s). This would explain the frequent cross-reactions detected by this neutralisation test. Evidence suggesting that some strains may be hybrids is also presented.