Anti-human galactosyltransferase (E.C. 2.4.1.22) antibodies were elicited in rabbits and purified on a galactosyltransferase-agarose column. Purified antibodies were used to localize galactosyltransferase in acetone-fixed HeLa cells and human lung fibroblasts. Both protein A-peroxidase developed with 3-amino 9-ethylcarbazole and swine anti-rabbit lgG-fluorescein isothiocyanate served to detect binding of anti-galactosyltransferase antibodies. In cells of confluent cultures, anti-galactosyltransferase staining appeared as a concise triangular structure in the juxtanuclear region with one angle oriented

SUMMARYWe analysed the reactivity ofenterovirus-specific human IgM and IgG antibodies with the structural proteins ofdifferent enteroviruses by the immunoblot technique. In general, all immunoglobulin G antibodies of the tested sera reacted with capsid polypeptide VP 1 of the viruses tested (echoviruses 9 and 11, coxsackievirus B3 and poliovirus 2). In contrast, enterovirus specific immunoglobulin M antibodies of adults reacted with capsid polypeptides VP 1, VP 2, and/or VP 3 of the viruses mentioned above. The reactions with VP 2 and/or VP 3 were often stronger than with VP 1. lgM antibodies from sera of newborns infected by echovirus 11 reacted with VP 1 and VP 2/3 of echovirus 11 and also with VP 2 and VP 3 of poliovirus 2. Preabsorption experiments indicate that cross-reactive IgG antibodies react with epitopes of VP 1 not present on the surface of intact virus particles. The results from the immunoblot technique were compared to data from microneutralization tests and M-antibody capture radioimmunoassays.

The present study investigates the incidence of human rotavirus excretion in neonates of two hospitals. From April 1, 1983 to March 31, 1984, rotaviruses were detected with Rotazyme in the feces of 57 (15%) of 383 neonates at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Berne, in a total in 71 (5.2%) of the 1369 stool samples tested. Of the 57 neonates with Rotazyme-positive stool samples, 53 (93%) were asymptomatic. The problems of the specificity of Rotazyme in neonatal feces and the possibility of rapid testing on neonatology wards are discussed. In a prospective study carried out in April 1986 at the "Schweizerische Pflegerinnenschule in Zurich", rotaviruses were detected with genome gel electrophoresis in the feces of 15 (63%) of 24 risk neonates in the premature baby ward and in 36 (46%) of 79 neonates from the infant nursery, in a total in 63 (34%) of the 188 stool samples tested. In this rotavirus outbreak all rotaviruses detected showed the same band pattern, and therefore had an identical electrophorotype. Symptoms and hospital hygiene aspects of this outbreak will be dealt with in subsequent papers.

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The immunoglobulin M and G specific immune response of humans to echovirus 11 proteins during an echovirus 11 outbreak was studied by the immunoblot technique. Whereas immunoglobulin G antibodies were directed most exclusively to the VP 1 protein, the immunoglobulin M antibodies were directed against VP 1, VP 2, and VP 3.