The evaluation of a combined ‘dry’ latex agglutination test for detecting rotaviruses and adenoviruses in faeces

A commercial latex agglutination test (Diarlex, Orion Diagnostics, Finland) for detecting group A rotavirus (RV) and adenovirus (AdV) in faeces was evaluated. Sixty-six faeces, of which 58 were RV or AdV positive, were examined: group A RV, 23; non-group A RV, 2; AdV of subgroup F (AdF), types 40 and 41, 22; non-F AdV, 9; RV and Ad41, 2. Eight samples were RV and AdV negative. Twenty-three (92%) of the 25 specimens containing group A RV were positive by Diarlex but none of the 41 negative ones. Of the 33 AdV positive (all types) samples, 25 (76%) were also Diarlex positive. However of the 24 containing AdF strains 23 (96%) were positive compared with only two of the nine containing non-F strains. Twenty-nine of the 33 AdV negative faeces gave no reaction by Diarlex but of the remaining four, two gave false positive and two non-specific reactions. The two samples containing RV and Ad41 were Diarlex positive for both viruses. Although the rotavirus component of the test performed better than that for detecting AdV, it is concluded that Diarlex is a user-friendly test with a possible role in the routine diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis.