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A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
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A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva

Published on: July 5, 2017

Etiology of acute conjunctivitis in children

F Gigliotti, W T Williams, F G Hayden

    The Journal of Pediatrics
    |April 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Common causes of acute conjunctivitis in children include Haemophilus influenzae and adenoviruses. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also implicated. Differentiating viral from bacterial causes clinically is challenging.

    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Pediatrics
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Acute conjunctivitis is a frequent pediatric condition with diverse etiologies.
    • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing complications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify the specific infectious agents causing acute conjunctivitis in children.
    • To correlate clinical presentations with identified pathogens.

    Main Methods:

    • Cultured 99 pediatric patients with conjunctivitis and 102 controls for bacteria (including Haemophilus influenzae), viruses, Chlamydia trachomatis, and mycoplasmas.
    • Statistically analyzed the prevalence of isolated agents in cases versus controls.

    Main Results:

    • Haemophilus influenzae (42%), adenoviruses (20%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (12%) were significantly associated with conjunctivitis.
    • These three agents accounted for 72% of identified cases; dual infections were rare.
    • Clinical differentiation between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis was difficult.

    Conclusions:

    • Haemophilus influenzae and adenoviruses are primary causes of acute conjunctivitis in children.
    • Co-occurring symptoms like pharyngitis or otitis can suggest specific pathogens.
    • Seasonal variations exist, with adenovirus more common in fall and H. influenzae in winter.

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