DETECTION OF ASTROVIRUSES FROM STOOL SAMPLES IN JAPAN USING REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION AND POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION AMPLIFICATION

We developed a reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT -PCR) method for detecting astrovirus serotypes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 (b ut not serotype 4). Furthermore, we developed the specific primers for detecting serotypes 1 and 2, the most predominant serotypes in the wo rld. Sensitivity of the first PCR with serotype common primers was abo ut 10 times higher than that of enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal ant ibody (EIA-MAb). Sensitivity of the second PCR with the serotype-speci fic primers was even higher. The RT-PCR method was useful for detectin g astroviruses from clinical samples, especially serotypes 1 and 2.