Aetiology of Viral Conjunctivitis in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Background: Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva is known as conjunctivitis and is characterised by dilatation of the conjunctival vessels, resulting in hyperaemia and oedema of the conjunctiva, typically associated with discharge. Accurate knowledge about the possible etiological agent helps in avoiding prescription of unnecessary topical antibiotics or antiviral drugs. This study highlights the changing trends in the aetiology of viral conjunctivitis. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at a tertiary care centre. One hundred and thirteen patients coming with infectious conjunctivitis having watery type of discharge, who have not taken any prior treatment between November 2022 and January 2023 and who were willing to take part in the study, were included. Patients with mucopurulent type of discharge, who have taken prior treatment, were excluded from the study. Results: Of the 113 patients studied, 60 were male, 43 were female, 6 were male children (mch) and 4 were female children (fch). More common in the age group (20–40 years). This study identified viral etiological agent in 41% of cases of clinically suspected viral conjunctivitis by viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 59% of cases turned out to be negative. Out of viral positive cases, 75% were enterovirus, 19% were adenovirus, 4% were herpes simplex virus (HSV) and 2% were mixed (adeno and HSV). Conclusion: In our study, etiological agent was found to be predominantly enterovirus followed by adenovirus and HSV. However, most of the viral conjunctivitis cases are due to adenovirus which is evident from the previous studies (90%). Hence, we observed a change in the etiological trend. PCR plays a major role in the detection of viral aetiology, which helps in judicious use of antimicrobial agents and to prevent antimicrobial resistance.