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Two cases of acute non-haemorrhagic conjunctivitis due to coxsackievirus A24 (CA24) are described. These are the first Australian isolates. The presentation was as a severe conjunctivitis in otherwise healthy adults who had not travelled outside Australia. The course was of short duration and self-limiting, with no long-term sequelae. The isolates could not be neutralised by antiserum prepared against prototype CA24 but were identified by immune electron microscopy and complement fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corneal endothelium was assessed following penetrating keratoplasty in a series of 50 patients and eight illustrative cases are described. Assessment disclosed a wide variation in the endothelial cell count and morphology following keratoplasty. In some patients the endothelial cell count was so low and the morphology so abnormal that long-term survival of the graft was doubtful. In cases with such a low count it is very doubtful, whether the graft will survive a secondary procedure such as cataract extraction or, intraocular lens implantation. Some donor material may carry corneal guttae and the use of such material should be avoided. If the material is good it will withstand inflammatory episodes including graft rejection if treatment is prompt and appropriate. Satisfactory material may be obtained from elderly donors while a young donor does not guarantee suitable material. It is desirable to assess the corneal endothelium of donor material carefully before use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]