Detection of Rotavirus RNA and Antigens in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples from Diarrheic Children with Seizures

Group A rotavirus (GARV) genes (the VP7 and NSP3 genes) in acute-phase cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), sera and stool samples from 6 children with convulsions accompanied by GARV gastroenteritis were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). When the VP7 gene was amplified from the samples, the G genotype (G type) of GARV was determined by RT-PCR. GARV genes were detected in the CSF samples of all 6 children, in 2 of the 3 blood samples, and in all of 4 stool samples. The G typing of GARV from 12 of a total of 13 samples indicated that G3 was the predominant G type in all samples. GARV antigens were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all of the 3 tested sera samples, while no GARV antigens were detected in any of the 5 tested CSF samples. We confirmed the presence of GARV genomes in the CSF samples from all of the children with rotavirus-associated seizures, including encephalopathy. However, the relationship between convulsions and the existence of GARV RNA in CSF remains unclear and further study is required.