Combination of Two Rapid Ophthalmic Test Kits for Improved Diagnosis in Cases of Severe Binocular Conjunctivitis

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis can be sometimes difficult, especially in cases of severe conjunctivitis and those involving both eyes. In this study, we performed commercial tests for adenovirus (Capilia Adeno Eye^®) and total tear IgE (Allerwatch^®) in a single visit in patients with bilateral conjunctivitis to examine if, and by how much, the combination of these two tests would improve the diagnostic accuracy of conjunctivitis.

The study included sixty patients with relatively severe conjunctivitis in both eyes within a week of consulting our clinic and who had no previous treatment. Capilia Adeno Eye^® and Allerwatch^® tests were performed.

A significantly higher number of cases (55/60) were diagnosed when both tests were evaluated than with either test (Capilia Adeno Eye^® (12/60; p < 0.001) or Allerwatch^® (44/60; p < 0.005)) alone. The positivity rate of Allerwatch^® was significantly higher than that of Capilia Adeno Eye^® (p < 0.001). The diagnosis rate of atopic keratoconjunctivitis was 100% in patients with allergic conjunctivitis, but there was no significant difference in positivity compared with other types of allergic conjunctivitis.

Testing patients with both Capilia Adeno Eye^® and Allerwatch^® improves the diagnostic accuracy for conjunctivitis and can diagnose more than 90% of cases. Detection of adenovirus antigen and IgE in tears, using these simple and rapid methods, will be useful for early diagnosis and prevention of adenoviral conjunctivitis.