[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.