[Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Detecting adenoviruses].

OBJECTIVE

The validity of the 15-min adenovirus assay SAS Adenotest was evaluated compared with virus detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from conjunctival swabs.

METHODS

In 75 patients with assumed epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, adenovirus detection from conjunctival swabs was performed by the immunochromatographic assay SAS Adenotest and PCR.

RESULTS

In 25 patients adenovirus was detected by PCR, 18 of whom were detected by the SAS Adenotest and 7 of whom were not. No false positive results occurred. Sensitivity was 72% and specificity was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that rapid adenovirus detection with the SAS Adenotest is a useful tool in early epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. An additional PCR should be performed when clinical symptoms persist for 5 days or more.