Direct fluorescent antibody assay and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Objectives: To identify Chlamydia trachomatis via polymerase chain reaction and a direct fluorescent antibody assay in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis while comparing the efficacies of both tests for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in these conditions.

Methods: Conjunctival scraping samples were obtained from 177 patients who were divided into two groups: a vernal keratoconjunctivitis group (group A) and a control group (group B). The polymerase chain reaction and a direct fluorescent antibody assay were performed.