Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis epidemic--2003 in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) is a highly contagious eye infection.
• Outbreaks of AHC can cause significant public health concern due to rapid spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causative agents of a nationwide AHC epidemic in Nepal during the summer of 2003.
• To identify the predominant viral and bacterial pathogens responsible for the outbreak.

Main Methods:

• Samples from affected individuals were analyzed for bacterial and fungal presence.
• Viral detection was performed on conjunctival samples.
• Identification of specific viral strains including Adenovirus (ADV) and Coxsackie virus (CA24v).

Main Results:

• Bacterial and fungal infections were found in only 10% of cases.
• Viruses were detected in 60% of the studied cases.
• Adenovirus (ADV) was identified in 83.3% of viral-positive samples, followed by Coxsackie virus (CA24v) at 11.1%.
• ADV was also detected on a Rupees bill, suggesting a potential environmental transmission route.

Conclusions:

• The 2003 AHC epidemic in Nepal was predominantly viral, with Adenovirus as the main etiological agent.
• The detection of ADV on a currency note highlights potential non-human transmission vectors.
• Further research into environmental contamination and transmission dynamics of AHC is warranted.