[Laboratory methods for adenoviruses. XI. Determination of hexon and antihexon-IgA in conjunctival secretions using ELISA].

The possibility of a rapid diagnosis of adenovirus conjunctivitis was studied by demonstrating genus-specific adenovirus hexon antigen or antihexon IgA antibodies in conjunctival secretions by an ELISA. Hexon was found in 44% of about 100 patients with adenovirus conjunctivitis, proven by virus isolation, antihexon in 53%, either one or both in 69% of the conjunctival swabs from the acute phase. Hexon was found in the acute phase more frequently, antihexon in the convalescent phase. In patients with conjunctivitis of different etiology no hexon was found, whereas antihexon IgA was found in a few cases.