Adeno-associated virus in adenovirus type 3 conjunctivitis

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Human infection with adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) is known, but disease association is unproven.
• The prevalence of dual AAV and adenovirus infections is largely unknown due to detection challenges.
• Specialized methods are required for AAV detection, complicating epidemiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and prevalence of AAV during an adenovirus type 3 epidemic.
• To explore the potential association of AAV with ocular infections, specifically conjunctivitis.
• To determine if AAV persists differently in ocular tissues compared to other sample types.

Main Methods:

• Re-examination of archived specimens (eye, throat, fecal) from a swimming pool-associated pharyngoconjunctival fever outbreak.
• Application of virological and serological methods for simultaneous detection of adenovirus and AAV.
• Isolation and identification of viral strains, followed by serological testing for antibody responses.

Main Results:

• Adenovirus type 3 and AAV type 3 (AAV3) were co-isolated from specimens of an adenovirus type 3 epidemic.
• AAV3 was unexpectedly prevalent in eye specimens (19 isolates) compared to adenovirus type 3 (11 isolates).
• Significant antibody rises to AAV3 were observed in individuals shedding AAV3, indicating active infection.

Conclusions:

• AAV, particularly AAV3, may have a higher propensity to persist in ocular tissues than adenovirus.
• The findings suggest a potential link between AAV and conjunctivitis, warranting further investigation.
• AAV infections are detectable and can occur independently of major adenovirus outbreaks.