Serum and tear immunoglobulin levels in acute adenovirus conjunctivitis.

Tear and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were measured in 35 healthy subjects and 31 patients with acute conjunctivitis due to adenovirus 2, 7, and 8 infections. Serum IgG and IgM levels were found to be significantly low and there was no change in the serum IgA level. There was a significant rise in the tear IgG level. A progressive decline in the serum immunoglobulin level with the severity of the disease was observed. The changes in the immunoglobulin levels in serum and tears showed a tendency to reach normal levels with clinical improvement.