Clinical and epidemiological features of adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis in London

Br J Ophthalmol. 1983 Jan;67(1):1-7. doi: 10.1136/bjo.67.1.1.

Abstract

Ninety-eight patients were studied. Ninety were consecutive patients who were isolation-positive for adenovirus, and 8, who were associated with a hospital outbreak of adenovirus serotype 8 infection, developed characteristic features of infection but were isolation-negative. The ratio of males to females was 2 to 1, and most patients were aged 20 to 39. Adenovirus serotypes 3, 7, and 8 were isolated from 86% of patients, and serotypes 2, 4, 5, 11, 15, and 15/29 from the remaining 14%. Adenovirus serotype 7 was more commonly isolated from patients under the age of 19 and was Not isolated during winter. Sources of infection could be identified in 36% of patients and included contact with upper respiratory tract of ocular infections, a hospital outbreak, and a recent visit to a swimming pool. Associated systemic disease was detected in 47% of patients, most of whom had upper respiratory tract infection. The most severe and prolonged conjunctivitis was caused by serotypes 5 and 8. Most patients developed epithelial punctate keratitis. Subepithelial punctate keratitis, which was once-considered to be a characteristic feature of adenovirus serotype 8, developed in cases of serotype 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / epidemiology*
  • Adenoviruses, Human / isolation & purification
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconjunctivitis / epidemiology*
  • Keratoconjunctivitis / etiology
  • London
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
  • Seasons
  • Serotyping
  • Uveitis / etiology