Adenovirus detected by polymerase chain reaction in multidose eyedrop bottles used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the potential of a multidose eyedrop bottle used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis as a source for spreading infection.


METHODS
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.
Uchio
Eiichi
E
Department of Ophthalmology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Japan. euchio@urahp.yokohama-cu.ac.jp
Ishiko
Hiroaki
H
Aoki
Koki
K
Ohno
Shigeaki
S
D000258:Adenovirus Infections, Human / Q000635:transmission*; D000260:Adenoviruses, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003236:Conjunctivitis, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000453:epidemiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D007639:Keratoconjunctivitis, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions