Herpes Simplex virus type 1(HSV 1) keratitis(HSK) is a threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical examination, however definitive diagnosis made by staining of corneal scrapings by Giemsa stain, viral culture and antigen detection. The aim of this study was toevaluate the efficacy of Giemsa stain, shell vial culture, and viral Ag detection by immunoflurescence assay (IFA) in diagnosis of HSK, and find an optimum combination of laboratory tests that would help to establish rapid diagnosis of suspected HSK. The study included, 70patients clinically diagnosed as cases of HSK. Corneal scrapings were directly stained withGiemsa, and subjected tousing shell vial assay followed by IFA and real time PCR for viral DNA detection: The specificity and predictive values of the three methods ranged between (94.7% to97.4%. The sensitivity of shell vial culture and shell vial culture followed by IFA was 46.9%and 75% respectively; whiletheir negative predictive values were higher than Giemsa stain. It is concluded that: combination ofshell vialculture and IFA may help to improvediagnosis of herpetic keratitis |
