Human adenovirus: Viral pathogen with increasing importance

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a common cause of infectious conjunctivitis.
• Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis presents as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) or pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF), caused by distinct HAdV serotypes.
• The virus is highly contagious, resistant to disinfectants, and endemic, posing risks particularly to immunocompromised individuals and children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biology of human adenovirus (HAdV).
• To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of adenoviral epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
• To provide an update on the diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of adenoviral eye infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HAdV biology, clinical presentations, and epidemiology.
• Summary of diagnostic methods including clinical signs, cell cultures, antigen detection, PCR, and immunochromatography.
• Analysis of treatment options and preventive strategies.

Main Results:

• HAdV causes distinct syndromes: EKC and PCF.
• Conjunctival infection symptoms are typical of conjunctivitis, often with pseudomembranes; corneal involvement can cause keratitis nummularis.
• Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, confirmed by laboratory tests; treatments are largely ineffective.

Conclusions:

• Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis is a significant public health concern, especially due to its high transmissibility and resistance.
• Effective treatments are lacking, underscoring the importance of prevention and control measures.
• Prevention strategies are the most reliable method for managing this contagious eye infection.