CORNEAL IMPRESSION TEST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE RABIES ENCEPHALITIS

Purpose: This study aimed to alert ophthalmologists as to their role i n the diagnosis of rabies. Methods: A 13-year-old girl was admitted wi th acute encephalitis of unknown etiology. Bacterial and viral culture s and test results for Lyme disease and tuberculosis were negative. In itial cerebrospinal fluid, serum, skin, and saliva specimens were nega tive for rabies. A corneal impression test was performed. Results: Imm unofluorescent antibody staining of the epithelial cells on the cornea l impression test was positive for rabies. Subsequently, the diagnosis was confirmed by serum serologic analysis and saliva testing. Conclus ion: Ophthalmologists can assist in the diagnosis of rabies by using t he corneal impression test. Corneal smears should be part of the routi ne antemortem work-up for presumptive rabies.