J Korean Med Assoc.  2017 Jun;60(6):491-496. 10.5124/jkma.2017.60.6.491.

Causes of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and therapeutic measures

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. menard@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is the most common type of infectious conjunctivitis, and is caused by adenoviruses. The mode of transmission is mainly through direct contact with ocular secretions. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is generally diagnosed based on a patient's clinical features, and additional measures, such as cell cultures, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid antigen detection tests, can further confirm the diagnosis. The most common symptoms include a foreign body sensation, tearing, and photophobia. The symptoms are usually expressed unilaterally in the initial phase, but gradually become bilateral. Frequently occurring complications include pseudomembrane formation and subepithelial infiltrates. Currently, no antiviral agent has been proven effective to alter the natural course of the disease, and treatment merely has a supportive role instead of a curative role. Therefore, preventive measures in medical offices and in the community are the most important methods of controlling the propagation of this disease.

Keyword

Conjunctivitis, viral; Adenovirus infections, human; Prevention & control

MeSH Terms

Adenoviridae
Adenovirus Infections, Human
Cell Culture Techniques
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, Viral
Diagnosis
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Keratoconjunctivitis*
Photophobia
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Sensation
Tears

Figure

  • Figure 1 (A) Slit lamp photography showing a case of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Prominent chemosis, severe conjunctival injection, pseudomembrane and eye discharge was demonstrated on the inferior conjunctiva. (B) Slit lamp photography showing a case of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Severe conjunctival injection was demonstrated on the superior bulbar conjunctiva.


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