Recently, over 10,000 conjunctivitis incidents have been reported in Punjab alone, and it’s still increasing. At the same time, the metropolis of Karachi is also at risk for the outbreak despite decreasing cases lately. Within a few weeks, due to a conjunctivitis outbreak in Punjab, schools were closed for a few days to prevent transmission.
With an increasing outbreak in different regions of Pakistan and some at risk, it’s better to know about this disease and how to protect ourselves and others from it.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, or “Pink Eye”, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outer transparent layer of your eye and inner linings of your eyelids), with dilated blood vessels infiltrating white blood cells into the conjunctiva and removing foreign particles. The disease may result in swelling of conjunctiva and eyelids, accumulating water inside your tissue (known as edema). Also, the eye redness is due to dilated blood vessels and the pain from this inflammation.
What causes Conjunctivitis?
It can be caused by infection (such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites) or by non-infection means (through reactions with allergens, toxins, or a deregulated immune system).
The disease becomes complicated to diagnose, whether direct or indirect, based on its aetiology. For instance, Gnorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease, can develop Conjunctivitis, apart from other organ complications.
Among all these causes, viral Conjunctivitis is the most common globally.
Viral Conjunctivitis
The virus infection accounts for a significant fraction of all cases related to eye diseases. Adenovirus (AdV) is the most common among many pathogens, with around 90% of all viral eye infection cases.
Adenovirus
The species is classified into seven (A to G), comprising more than 100 strains. The virus is a 90 – 100 nm, non-enveloped nucleocapsid embedded inside with double-stranded DNA of 35k base pairs. Among the seven, D is known to have many strains causing Conjunctivitis, with AdV-D8, D19, and D37 found to be abundant among overall AdV conjunctivital cases.
How is it transmitted?
AdV conjunctivitis is commonly spread by interacting with infected individuals. The fluid exposed by the patient, due to frequent eye rubbing can affect your eyes if exposed. Also, improper hygiene practices and improper chlorination of swimming pools can transmit the illness as well.
Diagnosis
Several interpretations were made to distinguish bacterial and viral Conjunctivitis. However, most symptoms overlap, and it becomes hard to deduce the cause based on physical examination. Specific lab tests, like microbial culture, can detect the bacterial cause and see the viral reason, Real-Time PCR with 94% specificity and 89% sensitivity.
Current Treatment
At present, no specific treatment has been developed. However, published studies directed to finding the AdV conjunctivitis treatments were based on lab culture. Fortunately, most cases are non-severe and take around a week or two to get cured.
Also, based on public health experts’ recommendations, avoid taking unprescribed medication alone. To seek an emergency, visit a healthcare institute and make an appointment. Make sure to take a leave from your work and have rest.
Preventions
Even if you get through with it, there might be a risk of drawbacks, affecting your eyes for an extended period. It’s better to take preventive measures, protecting your eyes and your loved ones.
Make a habit of hand-washing frequently, and if you interact with an infected individual, keep your distance from them and avoid making physical contact, even handshakes. If you did, wash your hands and avoid rubbing your eyes unless cleaned.
Furthermore, wipe exposed surfaces or disinfect surfaces in healthcare institutes. The virus, being non-enveloped, is stabilized on the surface for an average of three weeks. And ensure properly chlorinated swimming pools.
And yes, if you are still reading this article, protect yourself and your family from the current outbreak of Conjunctivitis.
Note: Mohammad Irtaza Tafheem wrote this piece in collaboration with Dr. Muhammad Hamza Khan.
ABOUT THE COLLABORATOR: Dr. Muhammad Hamza Khan, currently a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, is a Surgical Skills Faculty of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. He has over nine years of experience interacting with eye patients and presenting at conferences worldwide.
REFERENCES:
- Azari, A. A., & Arabi, A. (2020). Conjunctivitis: a systematic review. Journal of ophthalmic & visionresearch, 15(3), 372.
- Azari, A. A., & Barney, N. P. (2013). Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment. Jama,310(16), 1721-1730.
- Muto, T., Imaizumi, S., & Kamoi, K. (2023). Viral Conjunctivitis. Viruses, 15(3), 676.
- Rajaiya, J., Saha, A., Ismail, A. M., Zhou, X., Su, T., & Chodosh, J. (2021). Adenovirus and the cornea: more than meets the eye. Viruses, 13(2), 293.
- Zhang, L., Zhao, N., Sha, J., Wang, C., Jin, X., Amer, S., & Liu, S. (2016). Virology and epidemiology analyses of global adenovirus-associated conjunctivitis outbreaks, 1953–2013. Epidemiology & Infection,144(8), 1661-1672.
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Mohammad Irtaza Tafheem is an MS Biosciences from SZABIST, 2019. He writes articles for several local science blogs. He is a resume and content writer as well.
