Infectious Conjunctivitis Research Articles

Do the prevention procedures work in reducing infections?

Abstract Introduction Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) pose significant challenges in healthcare settings. Poor environmental hygiene contributes to HCAI. This study aims to evaluate and to assess the effectiveness of HCAI containment practices in nursing homes (NH). Methods The study examined infection prevention procedures in eight NHs supervised by the Multidisciplinary Commission of the Tuscany South-East Local Health Authority of Italy. Infection frequencies were obtained from NHs management and compliance with preventive procedures was assessed by inspection reports. Infection prevention protocols, including cleaning and disinfection procedures, were referenced from ministerial guidelines for hospital and territorial facilities. Comparisons was done whit Mann-Whitney test, using STATA. Results In 2023 more frequent infections were SARS-CoV-2 (19.5%), urinary tract infections (17%), pharyngitis (15.7%), influenza-like syndromes (ILI) (15%), and pneumonia (9%). Compared to 2022, significant improvements were observed in legionellosis surveillance, laundry, sanitary procedures, instrument disinfection, and hairdressing services. Non-compliance to specific procedures revealed differences in infectious onset like cleaning process verification with fungal infections (P = 0.01; M = 2,5), gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.04; M = 1.5); cleaning sanitary pans with Clostridium Difficile gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.04; M = 2); instrument disinfection with gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.04; M = 1.5) conjunctivitis (P = 0.01; M = 8); laundry procedures with pneumonia (P = 0.04; M = 18) and ILI (P = 0.04; M = 35). Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of well-defined procedures in reducing HCAIs. While preventive measures demonstrate efficacy, continuous efforts are necessary for their consistent implementation. Continuous monitoring and stakeholder engagement are essential for developing sustainable strategies in preventing healthcare-associated infections. Key messages • Healthcare-associated infections are a significant complication in the healthcare sector and require effective practices in nursing homes. • Prevention measures are effective, but continuous and collaborative effort is needed to ensure their uniform implementation and develop more effective strategies in preventing HCAI.

One-time low concentration betadine eye wash: A novel treatment for epidemic viral conjunctivitis for accelerated recovery.

This study aims to renew the management of viral epidemic conjunctivitis by introducing a one-time, low-concentration ocular surface povidone-iodine (LOS-pI) wash. Among the 3,002 patients screened, 1,328 with acute conjunctivitis were categorized into two groups. Group A (664 patients) underwent a 1% betadine wash in addition to the standard treatment protocol (Eye Lubricant + Moxifloxacin 0.5% eyedrops), while Group B (664 patients) followed the standard protocol alone. In cases of membranous conjunctivitis, manual membrane removal was performed. Treatment responses were observed daily for three days, followed by weekly assessments for two additional weeks. Co-infection of adenovirus with enterovirus was found to be the main cause, often accompanied by staphylococcal superinfection. Group A showed complete resolution of conjunctival inflammation, with a remarkable 76.05% of patients experiencing improvement within an average of 2.6±0.51 days, in contrast to Group B's average of 7.5±1.1 days (p <0.05). Additionally, 13% of Group B patients with recalcitrant conjunctivitis significantly recovered following the 1% betadine wash. Complications (subconjunctival hemorrhage: 34.04%, superficial punctate keratitis: 6.02%) were more prevalent in Group B. The authors hypothesized that a single wash with betadine is sufficient to reduce disease duration and prevent secondary infections and complications. The core strength of our study lies in its substantial sample size. To our knowledge, no similar previous research has been conducted, on such a larger scale. Viral conjunctivitis brings discomfort, work absenteeism, and financial burden. A single low-concentration betadine wash expedites recovery and reduces complications in acute infective conjunctivitis. This approach significantly enhances patient outcomes and alleviates the socioeconomic impact of the condition.

Etiology and Outcomes of Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis in Children

To determine the causes of conjunctivitis and whether clinical presentations and outcomes differ by pathogen. This multicenter, case-control study enrolled 390 children (194 cases, 196 controls) whose conjunctival samples were tested for bacterial and viral pathogens. Caregivers completed surveys tracking symptoms, antibiotic use, school attendance, and adverse events. The outcomes analyzed included the prevalence of microorganisms detected by PCR in cases versus controls, symptoms, rate of resolution by day 5, school/childcare attendance, and parent-reported antibiotic-related adverse incidents. Most cases (148, 76%) and controls (112, 57%) had bacteria identified, although only detection of Haemophilus influenzae was associated with conjunctivitis (aOR 4.59, 95% CI 2.86, 7.37). Purulent discharge was associated with H. influenzae (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.23, 5.01) and occurred in 92 (77%) cases in which H. influenzae was detected and 39 (53%) in which H. influenzae was not detected. Improvement (186, 96%) and resolution (166, 86%) were observed by day 5 for most children and did not differ based on ophthalmic antibiotic use. Caregivers reported antibiotic-associated adverse events for 21 (20%) children with 8 (8%) requiring a medical visit. Only H. influenzae was significantly associated with conjunctivitis. Symptoms did not differ in children with or without bacteria detected by PCR. Independent of antibiotic use, most children experienced resolution by day 5, but parents reported adverse events in 20% of children treated with topical antibiotics, underscoring the importance of judicious prescribing.

On a Symmetry-Based Structural Deterministic Fractal Fractional Order Mathematical Model to Investigate Conjunctivitis Adenovirus Disease

In the last few years, the conjunctivitis adenovirus disease has been investigated by using the concept of mathematical models. Hence, researchers have presented some mathematical models of the mentioned disease by using classical and fractional order derivatives. A complementary method involves analyzing the system of fractal fractional order equations by considering the set of symmetries of its solutions. By characterizing structures that relate to the fundamental dynamics of biological systems, symmetries offer a potent notion for the creation of mechanistic models. This study investigates a novel mathematical model for conjunctivitis adenovirus disease. Conjunctivitis is an infection in the eye that is caused by adenovirus, also known as pink eye disease. Adenovirus is a common virus that affects the eye’s mucosa. Infectious conjunctivitis is most common eye disease on the planet, impacting individuals across all age groups and demographics. We have formulated a model to investigate the transmission of the aforesaid disease and the impact of vaccination on its dynamics. Also, using mathematical analysis, the percentage of a population which needs vaccination to prevent the spreading of the mentioned disease can be investigated. Fractal fractional derivatives have been widely used in the last few years to study different infectious disease models. Hence, being inspired by the importance of fractal fractional theory to investigate the mentioned human eye-related disease, we derived some adequate results for the above model, including equilibrium points, reproductive number, and sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, by utilizing fixed point theory and numerical techniques, adequate requirements were established for the existence theory, Ulam–Hyers stability, and approximate solutions. We used nonlinear functional analysis and fixed point theory for the qualitative theory. We have graphically simulated the outcomes for several fractal fractional order levels using the numerical method.

Ocular and Periocular Tattoo Adverse Effects: A Review.

Ocular and periocular tattoos, involving ink application to the eyeball or surrounding skin, have gained popularity as forms of self-expression. However, this trend raises significant concerns about potential complications that can adversely affect ocular health and esthetics. Awareness of these risks is crucial for both patients and practitioners. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies discussing complications related to ocular and periocular tattooing. Relevant studies were identified through the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases. The reviewed papers were evaluated based on study design, including blinding, sample size, control use, randomization, and objective endpoints, and classified according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence hierarchy. The review identified a wide range of complications, including immediate issues like bleeding, infections (conjunctivitis, endophthalmitis), and allergic reactions. Delayed reactions included granuloma formation, often requiring further treatment. The most serious risk identified was potential visual impairment due to improper technique or ink placement. With the growing trend in ocular and periocular tattooing, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of associated risks. It is crucial to ensure that only qualified professionals perform these procedures, emphasizing the importance of understanding ocular anatomy. Developing strict regulatory guidelines and prioritizing research on the long-term effects of these tattoos are essential for patient safety. A collaborative approach among healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions is needed to mitigate risks and promote best practices in cosmetic tattooing.

Association of weather variables with pathogens contributing to conjunctivitis worldwide.

To identify weather variables associated with pathogens contributing to infectious conjunctivitis globally. Sample collection and pathogen identification from patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis was performed from 2017 to 2023. We linked pathogens identified from 13 sites across 8 countries with publicly available weather data by geographic coordinates. Mixed effects logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the associations between temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity exposures, and the prevalence of infection types (RNA virus, DNA virus, bacteria, and fungus). 498 cases from the United States, India, Nepal, Thailand, Burkina Faso, Niger, Vietnam, and Israel were included in the analysis. 8-day average precipitation (mm) was associated with increased odds of RNA virus infection (odds ratio (OR)=1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12 to 1.93, P=0.01) and decreased odds of DNA infection (OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.82, P<0.001). Relative humidity (%) was associated with increased odds of RNA virus infections (OR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.51 to 4.61, P<0.001), and fungal infections (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.19 to 4.66, P=0.01), but decreased odds of DNA virus (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.37 to 0.90, P=0.02) and bacterial infections (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.71, P<0.001). Temperature (°C) was not associated with ocular infections for any pathogen type. This study suggests that weather factors affect pathogens differently. Particularly, humidity and precipitation were predictors for pathogens contributing to conjunctivitis worldwide. Additional work is needed to clarify the effects of shifts in weather and environmental factors on ocular infectious diseases.

Biomarker Detection and Validation for Corneal Involvement in Patients With Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis

Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to corneal involvement and result in ocular morbidity. The identification of biomarkers associated with corneal involvement has the potential to improve patient care. To identify biomarkers in patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis. This cross-sectional study took place from December 2016 to March 2024. Analyses were performed in 3 phases. First, logistic regression and machine learning algorithms were used to predict the probability of demonstrating corneal involvement in patients with presumed infectious conjunctivitis. Second, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to confirm the most important biomarker gene identified by the algorithm. Third, the biomarker gene was validated in prospectively collected conjunctival samples of adult patients from 3 outpatient centers in Thailand and 1 in India. Patients with signs and symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis and onset within less than 14 days were eligible. Exclusion criteria were the inability to consent, presumed toxicity, or allergic conjunctivitis. Acute infectious conjunctivitis. The identification and validation of ocular surface gene expression associated with corneal findings on slitlamp examination. Thirteen genes exhibited a 1.5-log2 fold change in expression in patients with corneal involvement compared to patients without corneal involvement. Using the 13 genes to train and cross validate, logistic regression produced the highest mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC; 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84-0.86) for corneal involvement. The removal of apolipoprotein E (APOE) from the gene ensemble led to a decline in predictive performance of the logistic regression classifier (from mean AUROC 0.85 [95% CI, 0.84-0.86] to 0.74 [95% CI, 0.73-0.75]; adjusted P = .001 [Tukey test]). Orthogonal testing of APOE expression level with RT-qPCR showed that APOE expression was higher in patients with corneal involvement compared to patients without (median [IQR], 0.23 [0.04-0.47] vs 0.04 [0.02-0.06]; P = .004 [Mann-Whitney U test]). Using a Youden index of 0.23 Δ threshold cycle, APOE had a sensitivity of 56% (95% CI, 33-77) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI, 79-93) in 106 samples with conjunctivitis at Aravind, India (P < .001 [Fisher exact test]). When applied to a different patient population in Thailand, the same criteria could discriminate between disease states (58 samples; sensitivity, 47%; 95% CI, 30-64 and specificity, 93%; 95% CI, 77-99; P = .001 [Fisher exact test]). The results from this study suggest that the host conjunctival immune response can be meaningfully interrogated to identify biomarkers for ocular surface diseases.

Molecular Sequencing and Biomarkers in Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis

Molecular Sequencing and Biomarkers in Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis

Conjunctival sac microbiome status and the use of picloxidine dihydrochloride in children with infectious conjunctivitis

The surface of the eyeball presents a unique microbiocynosis, which is composed of various bacteria including viruses. Proceeding in the body itself. Infectious conjunctivitis in children is one of the most frequent and widespread processes, which determines the relevance of this problem. Inflammatory diseases can be both independent diseases and a reflection of negative processes of the eye.Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of picloxidine dihydrochloride in the composition 0.05% eye drops in the treatment of infectious conjunctivitis in children according to the results of conjunctival cavity microbiosis study by chromatography-mass spectrometry.Materials and methods. The study included 61 patients (104 eyes) with infectious conjunctivitis aged from 1 to 9 years (5.02 ± 0.25). The state of conjunctival cavity microbiocenosis was studied in all patients before treatment by chromato-mass spectrometry. All patients were prescribed instillations of picloxidine dihydrochloride as a part of eye drops 0.05% into conjunctival cavity with the frequency of 4 times a day.Results. A more severe course of conjunctivitis was recorded in children with less Bifidobacterium spp.Discussion. Dysbiosis of conjunctival sac microbiome reflects the reserve potential of the immunity of the bulbar conjunctiva. Due to emergence of 4 types of pathogenic microflora, cytomegalovirus (20% of patients) and a decrease in all types of normal flora, a significant increase in opportunistic microorganisms (12 types), 2 to 59.5-fold increase on average is recorded, and every 3rd patient is diagnosed with an increased titer of total endotoxin, which indicates the decreased reserve potential of the immunity of the bulbar conjunctiva.Conclusion. Antiseptic with picloxidine dihydrochloride 0.05% in the eye drops Piktorid-SOLOpharm is a broad spectrum drug in the treatment of infectious conjunctivitis in children without significant side effects.

Cost-Effectiveness of Pediatric Conjunctivitis Management and Return to Childcare and School Strategies: A Comparative Study.

Infectious conjunctivitis affects 1 in 8 children annually, resulting in high ophthalmic antibiotic prescribing and absenteeism from childcare and school. We aimed to quantify the cost-effectiveness and annual savings of 3 evidence-based approaches to conjunctivitis management and return to childcare and school compared to usual care. Using a decision analytic model from a societal perspective over a 1-year time horizon, we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of 3 management strategies for children aged 6 months to 17 years with non-severe conjunctivitis compared to usual care in the United States. Strategies accounted for rate of transmission. Strategies included (1) refraining from prescribing ophthalmic antibiotics for non-severe conjunctivitis, (2) allowing children without systemic symptoms to attend childcare and school, (3) and the combined approach of refraining from prescribing ophthalmic antibiotics and allowing children without systemic symptoms to attend childcare and school. The estimated annual expenditure for pediatric conjunctivitis was $1.95 billion. Usual care was the most expensive ($212.73/episode), followed by refraining from ophthalmic antibiotic prescribing ($199.92) and allowing children without systemic symptoms to attend childcare and school ($140.18). The combined approach was the least costly ($127.38). Disutility was similar between approaches (quality-adjusted life days 0.271 vs 0.274). Refraining from antibiotic prescribing and the combination approach were dominant compared to usual care. The combined approach resulted in an estimated $783 million annual savings and 1.6 million ophthalmic antibiotic courses averted. Conjunctivitis poses an economic burden that could be reduced by refraining from ophthalmic antibiotic use and allowing children without systemic symptoms to remain at school or childcare.

Coxsackievirus A24 causing acute conjunctivitis in a 2023 outbreak in Vietnam

ObjectivesTo determine the associated pathogen during the 2023 conjunctivitis outbreak in Vietnam MethodsRNA-sequencing was used to identify pathogens before and during the outbreak. Results24 patients with infectious conjunctivitis between March and October 2023 from Hai Yen Vision Institute in Vietnam were swabbed. Coxsackievirus A24v was the most common pathogen identified. Phylogenetic analysis of these strains demonstrates similarities to the Coxsackievirus identified in the 2022 India outbreak. Human adenovirus D was also circulating. Ocular findings of tearing, purulence, and itching were common in this outbreak. ConclusionsMultiple viruses can co-circulate during conjunctivitis outbreaks. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, commonly associated with coxsackievirus conjunctivitis, was not a common clinical sign in this outbreak. Repeat genetic surveillance, with the notable inclusion of RNA virus detection strategies, is important for outbreak detection.

Molecular identification of the bacterium acute conjunctivitis by the method of sequensing gen 16S rRNA

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease, characterized by contextual inflammation, which can be caused by bacteria. The diagnosis of conjunctivitis is established based various factors, including the patients’s medical history, onset of eye symptoms, non-ocular symptoms, previous disease history, family medical history, allergies, and physical examination of the eyes, which may include assessments of visual acuity and vision field. Some cases of conjunctivitis require laboratory examinations to confirm the diagnosis. These may include cytological examination with Giemsa staining, Chlamydia Diagnostic Test, Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) or Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microbiological tests. Microbiological examination helps identify the bacteria responsible for conjunctivitis and aids in treatment by prescribing antibiotics to suppress the growth of the infecting bacteria. While identification tests are not routinely performed, researchers often seek to determine the specific type of bacteria causing conjunctivitis infections, which may require several laboratory tests. Bacterial virulence plays a significant role, with genetic mutations potentially leading to severe infections of varying severity. Virulence genes encode proteins that express pathogenic properties. The species responsible for conjunctivitis can be definitively identified definitively through microbiological examination, utilizing methods such as the 16S Ribosomal RNA Sequencing (rRNA) technique, known for its accuracy and speed. This study aims to analyze the results of rRNA sequencing in cases of acute bacterial conjunctivitis caused by 16S rRNA genotyping. The research employed an exploratory metholodolot, with the results analyzed using the The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) tracking program database on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. The findings revealed that Sphingomonas paucimobilis encoded the 16S rRNA using Universal Primary 27 F and 1492 R, obtained in a sequence size of 1351bp. The isolate demonstrated similarities to Sphingomonas paucimobilis.

CONJUNCTIVITIS INFECTION: A BRIEF REVIEW ON ITS CLASSIFICATION, ETIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

CONJUNCTIVITIS INFECTION: A BRIEF REVIEW ON ITS CLASSIFICATION, ETIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

A typical case of miraculous relief from blindness

This article describes a case of hysterical amblyopia in a 10.5-year-old girl. She complained of decreased vision for 4 months. The decrease in vision was a result of infectious mononucleosis and conjunctivitis. During the initial examination, typical signs of hysterical amblyopia were observed: a bilateral decrease in visual acuity, loss of field to tubular, and a corresponding impaired orientation in the surrounding space. Reversible changes in visual evoked potentials (VEP) were noted, indicating functional changes in the visual system, impaired color perception. A complete ophthalmological examination was performed, including standard methods and electrophysiological studies. Upon repeated examination after 1 day, complete relief of signs of hysterical amblyopia was noted, namely, an increase in visual acuity to 1.2, expansion of the boundaries of the visual field to normal values, normal binocular and accommodation functions, and normal trichromasia. This case was unique because of the complete restoration of visual functions that occurred spontaneously within 1 day. For the first time, reversible changes in visual evoked potential that were not previously described in the literature were revealed, and an undifferentiated violation of color perception was described.

Five-Year Risk and Safety Profile of Autologous Serum Eye Drop Therapy.

To evaluate the risk and safety profile of autologous serum eye drop therapy in clinical routine over a period of 5 years. This retrospective study involved all patients treated with autologous serum between July 2014 and December 2019 at a tertiary ophthalmic referral center. The electronic patient record system was searched for all patients with autologous serum eye drop therapy at any time point. These records were subsequently searched for keywords such as infectious keratitis, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, or endophthalmitis at any recorded contact. The probability of an association between the therapy with autologous serum eye drops and infectious complications was investigated independently by three corneal specialists and rated as likely, potential, or unlikely. In total, 752 patients were treated with autologous serum eye drops between July 2014 and December 2019. There were 5 384 batches with a total of 107 680 bottles of serum eye drops that had been produced and dispensed for these patients during this period. The records of 291 patient showed a combination of autologous serum therapy and at least one keyword for infectious diseases. In 288 patients, individual case analyses revealed an unlikely association between the therapy and infection, as their infectious episodes occurred either before the start of the therapy, more than 1 month after the therapy ceased, or in the contralateral untreated eye in the case of unilateral therapy. Three cases of infectious keratitis were classified as potentially associated with autologous serum therapy. However, all three patients suffered from chronic anterior eye diseases with a high risk of spontaneous infectious complications independent of therapy with autologous eye drops. None of the infectious events was rated as being likely due to the serum eye drops. Serum eye drops are often used in patients with severe or chronic anterior eye diseases with an intrinsic risk of infectious diseases. Despite these preexisting risk factors, autologous serum eye drops can be considered safe, even in patients with a compromised ocular surface.

Incidence of acute infectious conjunctivitis across the pre- and post-COVID era: a 7-year-result from a tertiary acute hospital in Hong Kong

Incidence of acute infectious conjunctivitis across the pre- and post-COVID era: a 7-year-result from a tertiary acute hospital in Hong Kong

Prevalence and Pattern of Eye Disorders Among Primary Schoolchildren in Abakaliki, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background A child's learning ability depends on vision, and visual impairment negatively affects neurological, intellectual, and emotional development by limiting children's exposure to a range of experiences and information. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular morbidity among primary schoolchildren in Abakaliki and provide evidence that can be used in planning a school eye health program for the state. Methodology A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted within the Abakaliki metropolis between January and April 2018 to determine the ocular health status of schoolchildren recruited using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and presented using descriptive statistics. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables, with the level of significance determined by a p-value <0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI)). Results A total of 553 schoolchildren aged 6-16 years were examined. The prevalence of eye disorders was 23.5%. Common disorders included refractive error (12.7%) and allergic eye disease (7.1%). Other findings included glaucoma suspect (15, 2.7%), infective conjunctivitis (1, 0.2%), amblyopia (3, 0.5%), cataract (1, 0.2%), and squint (1, 0.2%). The prevalence of visual impairment was 3.1%. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between ocular morbidity and attending private schools (95% CI = 6.5-11.1, p = 0.003). Conclusions Eye disorders such as uncorrected refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were common among schoolchildren. School eye health programs can ensure that eyescreening is done periodically, allowing for early detection, referral, and prompt treatment of eye diseases that can potentially cause visual impairment.

Acute Conjunctivitis among Patients Visiting the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology in a Tertiary Care Centre.

Conjunctivitis is a highly prevalent ocular disease that flares up every year. The humidity and high temperature favour the causative agents responsible for the epidemic. Acute infective conjunctivitis may be either viral or bacterial, a distinct type of condition with unique clinical features and treatment approaches. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of acute conjunctivitis among patients visiting the outpatient Department of Ophthalmology in a tertiary care centre. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients visiting the outpatient Department of Ophthalmology. Data of 30 August 2023 to 30 September 2023 was collected between 21 November 2023 to 24 November 2023. All patients presenting in the Ophthalmology Department having complete hospital record were included in the study. Patients having missing data on the medical records of the hospital were excluded. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Among 5,507 patients, acute conjunctivitis was seen in 1240 (22.52%) (21.42-23.62, 95% Confidence Interval). The majority were male 732 (59.03%) and adults 760 (61.29%) with a mean age of 32.56±18.74 years. The prevalence of conjunctivitis among patients visiting the outpatient Department of Opthalmology was found to be higher than other studies done in similar settings. conjunctivitis; disease outbreaks; enterovirus.

Los colirios antibióticos acortan la duración de las conjuntivitis infecciosas en niños

Authors´ conclusions: topical antibiotics were associated with significantly shorter durations of conjunctival symptoms in children with acute infective conjunctivitis. Reviewers´ commentary: the use of topical antibiotics modestly benefits the patient, shortening the clinical cure in acute conjunctivitis. However, given the self-limited course of this pathology and the lack of cost-effectiveness studies in this area, its generalized prescription in primary care does not seem justified. Such studies should be carried out to assess the overall impact on society of the treatment of these patients.

Comprehensive Profile of Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance in Conjunctivitis Cases from Niger.

Infectious conjunctivitis outbreaks remain a public health burden. This study focuses on the pathogen and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles identified in Niger. Sixty-two patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis who presented to health posts were enrolled from December 2021 to May 2022. Nasal and conjunctival swabs were obtained from each patient. Unbiased RNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify associated pathogens. A pathogen was identified in 39 patients (63%; 95% CI, 50-74). Of those, an RNA virus was detected in 23 patients (59%; 95% CI, 43-73). RNA viruses were diverse and included human coronaviruses (HCoVs): SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-229E, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-OC43. A DNA virus was identified in 11 patients (28%; 95% CI, 17-44). Of those, four patients had a coinfection with an RNA virus and two patients had a coinfection with both an RNA virus and a bacterium. DNA viruses were predominantly human herpesvirus (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8) and human adenovirus species B, C, and F. Eighteen patients (46%; 95% CI, 32-61) had a bacteria-associated infection that included Haemophilus influenza, Haemophilus aegyptius, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella spp. Antimicrobial resistance determinants were detected in either the conjunctiva or nasal samples of 20 patients (32%; 95% CI, 22-45) and were found to be more diverse in the nose (Shannon alpha diversity, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.26] versus 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00-1.05], P = 0.01). These results suggest the potential utility of leveraging RNA-seq to surveil pathogens and AMR for ocular infections.