QUANTIFICATION OF β-GALACTOSIDASE TO MEASURE INTESTINAL DAMAGE IN ROTAVIRUS INFECTED CALVES

Quantitative ${\beta}$-galactosidase estimation in the intestinal mucosal cells of calves with diarrhea under experimental conditions due to rotavirus were undertaken. A quantitative decrease of 40-70% in ${\beta}$-galactosidase activity was observed in proximal and middle segments of the small intestine of the infected calves, more so in the middle segments. The decrease in the distal part of the intestine, however, was lesser (5 to 30%). The decrease in the activity was more marked on the day 2 to 6 post infection indicating the degree of the damage of the villi of the small intestine.