Neonatal bovine enteritis: detection of rotavirus by counterimmunoelectrophoresis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for rotavirus were performed on 253 calf gut and fecal specimens from eastern North Dakota. Rotavirus antigen was detected in 29 specimens by counterimmunoelectrophoresis and in 52 specimens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All of the counterimmunoelectrophoresis-positive specimens were positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The counterimmunoelectrophoresis and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using a rabbit antirotavirus antibodies produced a golf ball-induced granuloma, were rapid and specific tests for the detection of rotavirus.