PURPOSE: To investigate a rapid and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for the detection of adenoviral infections in conjunctival swabs. METHODS: Degenerate primers derived from the adenoviral hexon gene were designed for amplification of a 302-bp product by PCR. In 15 ocular swab specimens, using a simple sample preparation method, PCR was compared with a commercially available direct immunofluorescence test. RESULTS: Fourteen samples of patients with clinically diagnosed adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, when screened by direct immunofluorescence, were positive for adenoviral protein. In all samples positive by immunofluorescence, the 302-bp product was amplifiable. The sample negative by direct immunofluorescence was positive using PCR. CONCLUSION: PCR using degenerate primers proved to have several advantages over current diagnostic techniques. It offers considerable improvement in sensitivity over immunoassays and speed over tissue culture isolation and is a highly potential tool for the diagnosis of adenoviral ocular infections. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
PURPOSE: To investigate a rapid and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for the detection of adenoviral infections in conjunctival swabs. METHODS: Degenerate primers derived from the adenoviral hexon gene were designed for amplification of a 302-bp product by PCR. In 15 ocular swab specimens, using a simple sample preparation method, PCR was compared with a commercially available direct immunofluorescence test. RESULTS: Fourteen samples of patients with clinically diagnosed adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, when screened by direct immunofluorescence, were positive for adenoviral protein. In all samples positive by immunofluorescence, the 302-bp product was amplifiable. The sample negative by direct immunofluorescence was positive using PCR. CONCLUSION: PCR using degenerate primers proved to have several advantages over current diagnostic techniques. It offers considerable improvement in sensitivity over immunoassays and speed over tissue culture isolation and is a highly potential tool for the diagnosis of adenoviral ocular infections. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel