The development of a multiplex real-time PCR for the detection of herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varizella zoster virus, adenovirus and Chlamydia trachomatis from eye swabs
Highlights
► Infectious conjunctivitis can be difficult to distinguish clinically due to the considerable overlap in clinical presentation. ► A multiplex PCR assay for the screening of eye swabs was developed. ► This assay allows for the simultaneous detection of adenovirus, HSV 1 and 2, VZV and Chlamydia trachomatis in one reaction. ► Screening by multiplex real time PCR allows for rapid detection of pathogens simultaneously, which aids in treatment and clinical management. ► Since the introduction of the assay in 2007 the turn around time has reduced from 4.5 to 2 working days.
Abbreviations
PCR
polymerase chain reaction
Ct
cycle threshold
HSV
herpes simplex virus
VZV
varizella zoster virus
Keywords
Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Multiplex real-time PCR
Eye swabs
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