Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis

Updated: Apr 04, 2023
  • Author: Jean Deschênes, MD, FRCSC; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy, Sr, MD  more...
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Overview

Background

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) is characterized by conjunctival congestion, vascular dilatation, and onset of edema. Viral infections usually elicit a mononuclear cell response. In AHC, a prominent hemorrhagic component soon appears that is characteristic of this infection. (See Etiology, History, and Physical Examination.)

AHC was first described in 1969. Since the first reports from Ghana, the infection has been described in numerous other countries, including China, India, Egypt, Cuba, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United States. [1, 2, 3, 4] An epidemic involving more than 200,000 people was reported as occurring in Brazil in 2006. [5] Serologic studies have been useful in showing the presence of neutralizing antibodies to Coxsackie group A24 (CA24) and enterovirus E70 (EV70) strains as the causative agent. [4, 6] (See Epidemiology and Workup.)

Humans are the sole host for the enteroviruses. The virus spreads easily through fecal-oral channels. The rates of AHC infection typically are highest where hygiene is deficient. (See Etiology.)

Spread can occur between mother and child.

No treatment is available. Management consists of symptomatic treatment while waiting for the disease to run its 5- to 7-day course. AHC almost always resolves without sequelae, having a good visual prognosis. However, corneal microbial superinfection has been reported after treatment with topical steroids and requires appropriate antimicrobial therapy. (See Treatment.)

A secondary corneal ulcer is shown below.

Secondary corneal ulcer in a case of acute hemorrh Secondary corneal ulcer in a case of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis treated with steroids.

Rarely, neurologic sequelae have been noted in AHC. A poliolike paralysis has been reported in 1 case per 10,000. Also, human enteroviral infection is recognized as a major cause of aseptic meningitis in children.

Neutralizing antibodies are present for several years and confer a degree of resistance and immunity.

Change of neutralizing antibody with time was described after the 1984 epidemic of AHC in Sapporo, Japan. A study found that the level of EV70 neutralizing antibody decreased steadily during the first 2 years after infection and that by 7 years, 92% of the population studied had steadily decreasing titers to the point that resistance to reinfection probably was lost.

Some investigators speculate that epidemics can begin when group immunity falls below a safe level.

The prevalence of AHC is not influenced by sex or race, but children aged 10-14 years are at highest risk. (See Epidemiology.)

See the following for more information:

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Etiology

The viruses in the family Picornaviridae (picornaviruses) cause acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). Specifically, CA24 and EV70 have been linked as the causative agents of AHC. The results from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing have been positive for CA24 and EV70, and neutralizing antibodies to CA24 and EV70 have been shown to be present in patients with AHC.

Shedding of the viruses occurs without evidence of infection.

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Epidemiology

Occurrence in the United States

The prevalence of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) is lower in the United States than in developing countries. Because of its occurrence in epidemics and its contagious nature, estimates of the incidence of the disease in a given population have been difficult. The disease has been reported most often in the southwestern areas of the United States.

International occurrence

AHC has been the cause of worldwide pandemics. Outbreaks have been described in India, Ghana, and throughout equatorial Africa, as well as in Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, and Cuba. It also has been reported in Pakistan, Thailand, and the Middle East. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Epidemics of AHC are most common in developing countries. Incidence has been estimated to be as high as one half of the population in endemic areas. The study of the seroepidemiology of AHC during an epidemic in 1983 showed neutralizing antibody of 19% to CA24 and 66.6% to EV70.

Race-, sex-, and age-related demographics

AHC has been noted throughout the tropical regions of the world without regard to race or ethnic background. AHC has no sex predilection.

Epidemic hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is prevalent in all age groups, but the highest predilection is for persons in their early teenaged years. Children aged 10-14 years have been found to have the highest rate of positive neutralizing antibodies to CA24 and EV70.

Recent studies in Changsa, China have assessed the efficacy of a quarantine method to help control outbreaks of AHC in schools. It was estimated that without intervention, almost all students would have become infected in 23 days. Using what the authors termed a susceptive-infective-quarantine removal (SIQR) model, the authors concluded that in the absence of definitive treatment, quarantine programs could be used to curtail AHC outbreaks at schools and reduce the number of accumulated cases. [7]

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Patient Education

Patient education is important in acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) to help ease fears and to prevent undue alarm. The contagious nature, yet essentially benign outcome, of the disorder should be emphasized, with a view toward preventing the spread of the infection. Acceptance of the fact that the infection must run its course can be encouraged in the absence of an effective treatment modality.

Patient education is indicated to avoid the spread of this highly contagious infection.

For patient education information, see the Eye and Vision Center, as well as Pinkeye and Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Bleeding in Eye).

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