Diagnosis of adenovirus conjunctivitis by enzyme immunoassay

The diagnosis of adenovirus conjunctivitis using a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was investigated and compared with virus isolation in cell culture. Of 53 eye swabs previously shown to be adenovirus-positive, EIA was positive with 33 and isolation in PLC/PRF/5 cells was successful with 49. Isolates were typed by serum neutralisation. Adenovirus types 3 and 4 were most common, with 14 and 12 isolates respectively. Nine isolates were found to be type 8 and eight were classified as untyped following unsuccessful neutralisation by antisera to types 1-8 and 14. The potential of EIA, and possible modifications to increase sensitivity, are discussed.