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Study of an outbreak of epidemic conjunctivitis in Delhi in 1986
Abstract:
An epidemic of acute conjunctivitis occurred in Delhi during July-September 1986. The clinical presentation in total of 350 patients were characteristic of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). Bacterial cultures from conjunctival swabs were sterile in 85 out of 105 (80%) patients, virus cultures in Vero and HeLa cells were negative in 30 patients. However, conjunctival scrapes from 20/30 (66.7%) patients showed specific cytoplasmic fluorescence with enterovirus 70 (EV 70) antiserum, suggesting EV 70 to be the etiologic agent of the epidemic.
Insights
An acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) epidemic in Delhi was caused by enterovirus 70 (EV 70). This study identified EV 70 as the primary cause of the widespread eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- An outbreak of acute conjunctivitis affected Delhi between July and September 1986.
- The clinical symptoms observed in 350 patients were consistent with acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of the acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) epidemic in Delhi.
Main Methods:
- Clinical data from 350 patients were analyzed.
- Bacterial cultures from conjunctival swabs were performed.
- Virus cultures were attempted in Vero and HeLa cells.
- Conjunctival scrapes were examined using immunofluorescence with enterovirus 70 (EV 70) antiserum.
Main Results:
- Bacterial cultures were negative in 80% of tested patients (85/105).
- Virus cultures yielded negative results in 30 patients.
- Immunofluorescence detected enterovirus 70 (EV 70) in 66.7% of tested conjunctival scrapes (20/30).
Conclusions:
- Enterovirus 70 (EV 70) was identified as the etiological agent responsible for the 1986 Delhi acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) epidemic.
- The findings highlight the role of enteroviruses in causing large-scale conjunctivitis outbreaks.