Infectious viral diseases are highly contagious and prevalent. These pathologies with the same frequency can occur both in children and in the adult population. Most often, the ARVI group affects the mucous membranes. These include the nasopharynx, tonsils, conjunctiva. Sometimes viral infections occur with a syndrome of gastric and intestinal dyspepsia. Diseases of the ARVI group are similar in clinical picture. Nevertheless, each of the pathologies has characteristic features. For example, with adenovirus infection, the upper respiratory tract and the conjunctiva of the eyes are affected. In most cases, this pathology develops in children. It is in them that adenoviral conjunctivitis often comes first. Symptoms and treatment of infection differ slightly from other acute respiratory viral infections. To know how to deal with this disease, should not only doctors, but also kindergarten teachers, as well as parents. After all, timely treatment and preventive measures help to avoid the spread of infection.
What is acute adenoviral conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory lesion of the mucous membrane of the inner surface of the eyelids. This disease often accompanies colds. In addition, there are respiratory infections in which inflammation of the eyelids comes to the fore. Similar pathological conditions include adenoviral conjunctivitis. The symptoms and treatment of this disease are somewhat different from infections caused by bacteria. The main clinical manifestations of the pathology are lacrimation and redness of the eyes. In addition, adenovirus infection manifests itself and a number of other symptoms. How to treat conjunctivitis depends on the etiology of the disease. If the cause is ARVI, an antiviral treatment is prescribed. Therefore, do not use antibacterial eye drops at the first sign of inflammation. How long adenoviral conjunctivitis is treated depends on the state of the immune system. In most cases, the symptoms of SARS go away within 5-10 days.
Etiological factors for the development of the disease
This disease is caused by a virus from the ARVI group. The causative agent was discovered in the mid-20th century. Adenovirus is known to be highly resistant to low temperature and many disinfectants. This is due to the presence of a special shell - a capsid that protects the virus from damage. Inside is double-stranded DNA, which contains genetic information about the microorganism. The virus contains 3 factors of aggression. Among them:
- Antigen A. This is a complement-binding pathogenic factor. Its effect is due to the suppression of phagocytosis, that is, the process of capture of microorganisms by cells of the immune system.
- Antigen B. Causes intoxication of the body.
- Antigen C. This pathogenic factor collects on the surface of blood cells - red blood cells.
Adenovirus dies under the influence of high temperatures (when boiled). It is also sensitive to certain antiseptic agents.
The pathogenesis of adenoviral conjunctivitis
With the penetration of the pathogen into the body, inflammatory changes in the upper respiratory tract, signs of intoxication, as well as adenoviral conjunctivitis develop. Symptoms and treatment of infection are similar to other respiratory diseases. The mechanism of the development of the disease is due to the antigenic structure of the virus. The entry gate for infection is the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, pharynx, and conjunctiva. It is there that adenovirus multiplies. As a result of the stay of the pathogen, the mucous membranes become inflamed. In addition, adenovirus can invade the lymph nodes and intestines. For this reason, the clinical picture may be different. Nevertheless, the development of adenoviral conjunctivitis is typical for this disease. When it enters the mucous membrane of the eyelids and sclera, an increase in the permeability of cell membranes occurs. As a result, edema and exudative phenomena develop. Due to the presence of antigen C in the pathogen structure, erythrocyte destruction can occur. This is manifested by injection of sclera, hemorrhages. Adenoviral conjunctivitis develops with the same frequency in both the female population and among men. Children get sick more often than adults. The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. The source is an infected person.
The clinical picture with adenoviral conjunctivitis
To distinguish the disease from other types of acute respiratory viral infections, it is necessary to know the clinical features that characterize adenovirus infection. Conjunctivitis can also occur with other colds. Nevertheless, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes is considered more typical for adenovirus infection. Conjunctivitis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Redness of the eyes, swelling on the side of the lesion.
- Itching and burning.
- Lacrimation.
- Blepharospasm - the upper eyelid on the affected side is omitted.
- Photophobia.
- The appearance of serous discharge on the conjunctiva. With untimely treatment, a bacterial infection joins. In this case, the exudate becomes purulent.
- Foreign body sensation in the eye.
It is worth remembering that the development of conjunctivitis is preceded by the initial period of the disease, which lasts 5-7 days. At this time, intoxication syndrome predominates (fever, decreased appetite, weakness), signs of rhinitis and pharyngitis. Sometimes there is an increase in cervical lymph nodes and dyspepsia.
Clinical forms of adenoviral conjunctivitis
Initially, the disease is an inflammatory process observed in one eye. If measures are not taken immediately, then bilateral adenoviral conjunctivitis develops within 2-3 days. How long the disease lasts depends on how quickly treatment is started. When a bacterial infection is attached, conjunctivitis can occur up to 2 weeks. If treatment is started on time, then symptoms may disappear within 5 days. Depending on the clinical form, there are:
- Catarrhal adenoviral conjunctivitis. It is characterized by minor signs of inflammation (moderate redness) and unexpressed exudation. Complications in most cases are not observed.
- Follicular adenoviral conjunctivitis. It is characterized by the appearance of small rashes on the inner surface of the eyelid. In some cases, the follicles are large, covering the entire mucous membrane of the eye. The surface of the eyelid is hyperemic, sclera injection is noted.
- Film adenoviral conjunctivitis. A distinctive feature of this form is the formation of thin fibrin overlays covering the mucous membrane of the eye. Usually they are easily removed with a gauze swab. In severe cases, the films are tightly soldered to the mucous membrane. In this case, the disease is differentiated from one of the forms of diphtheria.
The course of pathology in adults and children: differences
In most cases, adenoviral conjunctivitis in adults is mild. Most often, it is combined with pharyngitis and rhinitis. Intoxication syndrome is not very pronounced, body temperature reaches 37-38 degrees. According to the frequency of occurrence, the catarrhal form of conjunctivitis takes the first place. With weakened immunity, lymphadenopathy and gastrointestinal disorders can occur.
Adenoviral conjunctivitis in children is more common than among the adult population. Outbreaks of infection may occur in groups (pre-schools, boarding schools). Symptoms in middle-aged children do not differ from adults. With timely treatment, recovery occurs in 5-7 days. A feature of the disease in young children is the frequent attachment of a bacterial infection, high body temperature, follicular and membranous form of inflammation.
Diagnosis of adenoviral conjunctivitis
To identify adenoviral conjunctivitis, a study is being carried out of the eye, nose, a swab from the throat is taken . Also, the diagnosis of the disease is of great importance for the diagnosis. The characteristic features of adenovirus infection are: intoxication and catarrhal phenomena that precede conjunctivitis. Most often, symptoms develop a few days after contact with the patient. In addition to virological studies, serological diagnostics are performed: complement fixation reaction, indirect hemagglutination, ELISA.
Adenoviral conjunctivitis: symptoms and treatment of pathology
The etiological treatment of the infection is antiviral drugs. These include medicines “Remantadin”, “Anaferon”, “Arbidol”, etc. How to treat conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus infection? Ophthalmoferon drops are considered the drug of choice for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes . In addition, treatment depends on the symptoms of the disease. Such a sign as purulent discharge from the eye is the reason for the appointment of antibacterial drugs. These include ointments containing medicines "Erythromycin", "Gentamicin." If a symptom of the disease is the appearance of films on the mucous membrane of the eye, local treatment is recommended. Plaque is removed using gauze swabs dipped in warm boiled water. After that, antimicrobials are used. For example, eye drops "Albutsid", "Tsiprolet".
Complications of Adenoviral Conjunctivitis
Complications of conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus infection are rare. More often they occur in people with a weakened immune system, with a membranous form of the disease. Complications include keratitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, otitis media, scars on the mucous membrane of the eye.
Prevention of adenovirus infection
Preventive measures include isolation of patients from the team, anti-epidemic measures (airing the room, sanitization). After contact with infected people, it is recommended that you take immunostimulating drugs. These include medicines "IRS-19", "Anaferon." It is also recommended to lubricate the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment during outbreaks of acute respiratory viral infections.