The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic test and conduct a survey for the neonatal calf diarrhea virus (NCDV) and human infant reolike diarrhea virus. Two immunologic methods were developed in this investigation.
Immune electron microscopy (IEM) and the fluorescent viral precipitin test (FVPT) are the methods used to detect NCDV and the human virus. Both methods are based upon the principle that viral aggregates form when the virus is reacted with anti-NCDV antibody. Aggregates in the IEM method are negatively stained and observed with the use of an electron microscope. Fluorescein labeled antibody is used in the FVPT and the resultant aggregates are observed with the use of epifluorescence microscopy.
IEM and the FVPT are sensitive, specific and rapid. The sample is examined within two hours after arriving at the laboratory. Both methods are useful; however, the FVPT allows for more general application because it requires less technical skill and relatively inexpensive equipment is used.
NCDV was found in 41% (14/34) of diarrheic calves tested in northern Utah and NCDV antibody was in 100% (16/16) of adult animals tested. The human reolike virus was found in 80% (4/5) of the infants tested
