RIDAQUICK Norovirus: a new dimension for norovirus detection

Abstract number: P562

Apostel F., Dressler D., Leidinger H., Fischer R., Sander P.

Objectives: Noroviruses are commonly associated with large outbreaks in recreational or institutional settings. They are highly infective, thus the rapid and reliable detection of the noroviruses in compromised specimens is of great importance for the hygiene management.

Current approaches such as the PCR detection of the viral genome and the use of sensitive ELISA test kits still require several hours to confirm a suspicion of norovirus infection. Due to the nature of the noroviruses both screening methods require constant monitoring and development. We here describe the development of an assay format that will detect norovirus in less than 20 minutes. The RIDA^®QUICK Norovirus Assay is a flow through enzyme linked immunoassay based solely on the use of virus specific but genotype cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies for the detection of norovirus.

Methods and Results: Monoclonal antibodies raised against VLPs or against capsid protein preparations of noroviruses from various genogroups and -types are bound to a filter membrane. Stool sample dilutions are applied to the membrane and subsequently treated with conjugate, washing buffer and substrate. Results can be obtained after 15 minutes. Signal detection is accomplished by visual reading. First study results run with 113 stool samples using predefined samples form the outbreak season 2007/2008 rendered a sensitivity 86% and a specificity of 94.6% using real-time RT-PCR as reference. Reproducibility was assessed testing 5 stool samples in three independent laboratories on three consecutive days. The results showed 100% agreement. No cross-reactivity with the usual causes for gastroenteritis was observed as well as no interference with substances commonly used to treat the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. The overall results obtained with the RIDA^®QUICK Norovirus are in excellent agreement with those obtained using the well established RIDASCREEN^® Norovirus ELISA assay.

Conclusions: The RIDA^®QUICK Norovirus detection assay opens a new dimension for the quick and reliable analysis of compromised specimen. Its value for a possible prevention of outbreaks in settings where timely reaction are required is certainly indisputable.