Adenovirus detected by polymerase chain reaction in multidose eyedrop bottles used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract

PURPOSE: We investigated the potential of a multidose eyedrop bottle used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis as a source for spreading infection. DESIGN: Prospective consecutive case series. METHODS: The contents of multidose eyedrop bottles given to patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis and in use for 1 week were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for adenovirus after as long as 9 weeks of preservation at room temperature. RESULTS: Of 26 patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, the eyedrop bottles of 19 patients (73%) were positive for adenovirus. The maximum detection interval was 9 weeks. Significantly higher prevalences of intrafamilial infection ( P = .0098) and of corneal subepithelial opacity ( P = .046) were observed among cases with adenoviral contamination than among cases without contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Multidose bottles used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis are a possible vector for viral transmission for as long as 9 weeks.