Antibody Response in Serum and Intestine in Children up to Six Months After a Naturally Acquired Rotavirus Gastroenteritis

The aim of this study was to provide detailed information about the local and systemic antibody response and their relationship following a rotavirus gastroenteritis. Rotavirus-specific immunoglobulins were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study included 49 children referred to hospital with rotavirus gastroenteritis and 16 children with nonrotavirus gastroenteritis. The concentrations of rotavirus immunoglobulin A (IgA) in serum increased within the first 2 weeks and those of rotavirus IgG within the first month after the onset of diarrhea. Thereafter, they remained unchanged during the 6-month observation period. Rotavirus ScIg (i.e., antirotavirus immunoglobulin-containing secretory component) appeared in serum almost exclusively within 7-14 days after onset (i.e., 85% of the samples). After the first 2 weeks, rotavirus IgA could be detected in the majority of fecal samples, even up to 6 months after the disease. However, rotavirus ScIg was absent in the majority of fecal samples. The severity of illness correlated only with the increase of rotavirus IgG in serum. Conclusively, there is a longstanding immune response after a naturally acquired rotavirus gastroenteritis. Moreover, with the present methods, measurements of rotavirus IgA and IgG in serum can be safely used for serodiagnosis, even when samples are taken with 6-month interval. It is suggested that trials with rotavirus vaccines include measurements of rotavirus IgA and ScIg in serum and rotavirus IgA in feces.