RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF OCULAR HERPES-SIMPLEX INFECTIONS

Background-The Surecell herpes (HSV) test kit is a test for detecting the presence of herpes simplex viral antigen by,means of a monoclonal antibody based immunoassay. The test has proved to be highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing genital, oral, and dermatological herpes i nfections. Methods-In this study, samples from patients with ocular ke ratitis were evaluated by tissue cultures and the Surecell test. The e yes of New Zealand rabbits were then inoculated with HSV type 1 acute keratitis, acute Staphylococcus keratitis, acute Pseudomonas keratitis , and HSV type 1 postkeratitis (healed corneas). Tear film samples col lected from each eye with a cotton swab were evaluated by routine cult ure (A-549 monolayers) and by the Surecell test with and without prior placement of the swab in Hank's medium. Results-The Surecell system h ad a 70% sensitivity and a 100% specificity in the detection of HSV an tigen in ocular infections, and was shown to be a quick, efficient, an d accurate method of testing for HSV antigen in humans. Conclusion-The se results from humans and rabbits indicate that the Surecell test, wh ich requires no special equipment, can be a useful in office adjunct i n the clinical diagnosis of ocular herpes simplex.