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Immune electron microscopy and a cultural test in the diagnosis of adenovirus ocular infection
Abstract:
Immune electron microscopy (IEM) and virus isolation in cell culture were compared in the diagnosis of adenovirus ocular infection during an outbreak of the disease in 1979. Eleven of 14 patients with a keratoconjunctivitis clinically indicative of adenovirus infection had IEM evidence of adenovirus infection or had the virus isolated from ocular swabs. The IEM was positive in 8 patients. Virus as isolated from 10 patients. IEM was positive in one culture negative patient. Since IEM provides a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of adenovirus in human tears, it may be a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinician.
Insights
Immune electron microscopy (IEM) rapidly detects adenovirus in eye infections. This sensitive diagnostic tool aids clinicians in identifying viral keratoconjunctivitis during outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
Background:
- Adenovirus causes infectious keratoconjunctivitis, a significant ocular disease.
- Accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial for managing outbreaks and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of Immune Electron Microscopy (IEM) and virus isolation in cell culture for adenovirus ocular infections.
- To evaluate the sensitivity and speed of IEM in diagnosing adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ocular swabs from patients during a 1979 adenovirus outbreak.
- Application of Immune Electron Microscopy (IEM) for direct viral detection.
- Virus isolation in cell culture for confirmation and comparison.
Main Results:
- Out of 14 patients with clinically suspected adenovirus infection, 11 showed positive results via IEM or virus isolation.
- IEM detected adenovirus in 8 patients, while virus isolation identified the virus in 10 patients.
- IEM identified adenovirus in one patient whose viral culture was negative, highlighting its sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Immune Electron Microscopy (IEM) is a rapid and sensitive method for detecting adenovirus in human tears.
- IEM can be a valuable diagnostic tool for clinicians managing adenoviral ocular infections.
- The findings support the use of IEM in diagnosing infectious keratoconjunctivitis during outbreaks.