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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice
07:52

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice

Published on: May 1, 2021

An outbreak of infectious conjunctivitis spread by microscopes

L Doyle1, K Gallagher, B S Heath

  • 1Greater Boston Occupational Health Nurses Association, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain 02130.

Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|September 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Microscope use can spread infectious diseases like viral conjunctivitis in workplaces. Mandatory screening and plant shutdowns were effective in controlling a large factory outbreak.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious disease transmission

Background:

  • Microscope use presents potential occupational hazards.
  • Infectious agents can transmit among employees in shared workspaces.
  • Viral conjunctivitis outbreaks pose significant risks in industrial settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a large epidemic of viral conjunctivitis in a microelectronics factory.
  • To identify the transmission route of the viral conjunctivitis outbreak.
  • To evaluate control measures for infectious disease spread in the workplace.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case analysis of 145 viral conjunctivitis cases.
  • Investigation of microscope sharing as a transmission vector.
  • Evaluation of interventions including handwashing, safety glasses, screening, and plant shutdown.

Main Results:

  • A large epidemic of viral conjunctivitis (145 cases) occurred, costing over $647,000.
  • Sharing of microscopes was identified as the primary mode of transmission.
  • Standard precautions (handwashing, safety glasses) were insufficient.
  • Mandatory pre-work screening and temporary plant closure successfully controlled the outbreak.

Conclusions:

  • Microscope-associated transmission of viral conjunctivitis is a significant occupational hazard.
  • Effective control requires stringent measures beyond standard hygiene protocols.
  • Workplace policies should include screening and potential shutdowns to prevent widespread infectious outbreaks.

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