Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus is the most common infectious conjunctivitis. Adenoviruses are highly contagious pathogens. The modes of transmission are mainly through hand to eye contact, ocular secretions, respiratory droplets, and contact with ophthalmic care providers and their medical instruments. The most frequent manifestation of ocular adenoviral infection is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, followed by pharyngoconjunctival fever. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is also the most severe form and presents with watery discharge, hyperemia, cheosis, and ipsilateral lymphadenopathy. Pharyngoconjunctival fever is characterized by abrupt onset of high fever, pharyngitis, bilateral conjunctivitis, and periauricular lymph node enlargement. Isolated follicular conjunctivitis without corneal or systemic involvement also occurs. The rate of clinical accuracy in diagnosing viral conjunctivitis is less than 50%. Rapid diagnostic tests now being used decrease unnecessary antibiotic use. Treatment for viral conjunctivitis is mostly supportive. The majority of cases are self-limited, and no treatment is necessary in uncomplicated cases.