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Adenovirus eye infections in an Australian city, 1972-9
Abstract:
A number of adenovirus serotypes have been associated with both sporadic cases and outbreaks of conjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever but only adenovirus type 8 and adenovirus type 19 have been responsible for wide-spread epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis. In Melbourne, Australia, in the past eight years these two serotypes have been prevalent, resulting in an outbreak of adenovirus type 8 kerato-conjunctivitis in 1976-7 followed by adenovirus type 19 kerato-conjunctivitis in 1978-9. During these two periods of peak incidence, 53 cases of adenovirus type 8 and 43 cases of adenovirus type 19 kerato-conjunctivitis were confirmed by isolation.
Insights
Adenovirus types 8 and 19 caused widespread epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Melbourne. These two serotypes led to distinct outbreaks between 1976-1979, confirmed by viral isolation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adenovirus serotypes are linked to conjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever.
- Adenovirus types 8 and 19 are specifically associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
- Previous outbreaks of these serotypes have been documented globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the prevalence and impact of adenovirus type 8 and 19 in Melbourne.
- To analyze the epidemiological patterns of two distinct adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis outbreaks.
- To confirm viral etiologies through laboratory isolation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical cases.
- Viral isolation and identification of adenovirus serotypes.
- Epidemiological data collection during outbreak periods (1976-1979).
Main Results:
- Adenovirus type 8 caused an outbreak in 1976-1977 with 53 confirmed cases.
- Adenovirus type 19 caused a subsequent outbreak in 1978-1979 with 43 confirmed cases.
- Both serotypes demonstrated significant epidemic potential in the Melbourne population.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus types 8 and 19 were the primary agents of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Melbourne during the study period.
- The findings highlight the importance of surveillance for specific adenovirus serotypes causing eye infections.
- Public health strategies may be needed to control the spread of these highly contagious viruses.