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Enterovirus type 70: the etiologic agent of pandemic acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis
Abstract:
A new enterovirus, now classified as enterovirus type 70, was isolated from the conjunctiva of patients with acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis during the 1971 epidemics that occurred in Japan, Singapore, and Morocco. These epidemics were parts of a pandemic involving Africa (Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia), Asia (Cambodia, China (Province of Taiwan), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand), and England during 1969-71. A representative strain from each of the three epidemic areas was studied cooperatively. The strains exhibited the physicochemical characteristics of enteroviruses. Cross-neutralization tests showed that these viruses were distinct from all known human enterovirus immunotypes, but that they were antigenically closely related. The human origin of the viruses was demonstrated by the appearance of homologous neutralizing antibodies during convalescence in patients with acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis.
Insights
A novel enterovirus, enterovirus type 70, caused widespread acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis during a 1969-1971 pandemic. This new virus was distinct from known enteroviruses but antigenically related, confirmed by patient antibody responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) outbreaks occurred globally between 1969-1971.
- A novel enterovirus was suspected as the causative agent during these epidemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the virus responsible for the 1971 AHC epidemics.
- To determine the etiological agent of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis and its relationship to known enteroviruses.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of viral strains from conjunctival samples of AHC patients.
- Physicochemical characterization of the isolated viruses.
- Cross-neutralization tests to compare with known enterovirus immunotypes.
- Serological assays to detect homologous neutralizing antibodies in convalescent patients.
Main Results:
- A new enterovirus, classified as enterovirus type 70, was successfully isolated from patients in Japan, Singapore, and Morocco.
- The isolated strains shared physicochemical properties of enteroviruses.
- Cross-neutralization tests revealed the virus was distinct from other human enteroviruses but antigenically related.
- Patients developed homologous neutralizing antibodies, confirming the human origin of enterovirus 70.
Conclusions:
- Enterovirus type 70 was identified as the causative agent of the 1969-1971 acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis pandemic.
- This finding expanded the known spectrum of enterovirus infections and their clinical manifestations.
- The study highlighted the importance of viral characterization during global epidemics.