Study on rapid diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis caused by Coxsackievirus A24 variant

An pandemic of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) caused by Coxsackievirus A 24 variant (CA 24v) occurred in China in 1988. Rapid diagnosis of AHC was investigated by immunofluorescence technique. The bacteria-free conjunctival swab samples were inoculated into HeLa cell monolayer. The Virus-specific antigens in infected cells were examined by indirect immunofluorescence test. Of 35 samples, 17 was identified as CA 24v. The results of isolation and typing could be obtained with in 5 days. Further, CA 24v antigen in infected conjunctival cells were examined by indirect immunofluorescence test. Of 48 smears of conjunctival cells, 39 was positive. Positive rate were 81.3%.