Excerpt from Pharyngoconjunctival Fever

Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: PCF, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, nonspecific sporadic follicular conjunctivitis, chronic papillary conjunctivitis, adenoviral ocular infection

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Background

Adenoviruses are the most common cause of acute viral infections of the conjunctiva, occurring epidemically or sporadically throughout all seasons. Clinically, 4 syndromes of adenoviral ocular infection have been recognized, as follows: epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF), nonspecific sporadic follicular conjunctivitis, and chronic papillary conjunctivitis.

This article focuses on PCF, an acute and highly infectious illness characterized by fever, pharyngitis, acute follicular conjunctivitis, and regional lymphoid hyperplasia with tender, enlarged preauricular adenopathy.

Pathophysiology

The adenoviruses consist of a group of 35 morphologically similar but antigenically distinct DNA viruses that share a common complement-fixing antigen. Ubiquitous throughout the world, these extremely stable, ether-resistant organisms cause infections of the upper respiratory tract and the eye. PCF most frequently is caused by adenovirus serotypes 3 and 7, but serotypes 2, 4, and 14 also have been documented as etiologic agents. In addition, sporadic outbreaks caused by serotypes 1, 5, 6, 8, 11, and 19 have been reported.

Transmission occurs through contact with infected upper respiratory droplets or fomites, or through swimming pools, in which fecal excretion of the virus is believed to be responsible. Communicability ranges from 100% during the first few days to 0% by 10-15 days after the onset of symptoms. The incubation period after exposure is 5-12 days (average, 8 d).

Frequency

United States

Because PCF occurs epidemically and sporadically, the frequency is not known.

Mortality/Morbidity

Many cases are self-limited and mild, although chronic infections have been reported. Long-term ocular sequelae are rare.

Sex

PCF occurs equally in men and in women.

Age

Disease is seen predominantly in children and institutionalized individuals, with epidemics occurring within families, schools, prisons, ships, and military organizations.

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