How long does viral conjunctivitis last
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Duration of Viral Conjunctivitis: Insights from Recent Research
Overview of Viral Conjunctivitis Duration
Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is an eye infection caused by various viruses. The duration of the infection can vary depending on the viral strain and individual patient factors. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of how long viral conjunctivitis typically lasts.
Duration of Symptoms in Different Viral Strains
Adenoviral Conjunctivitis
Adenoviral conjunctivitis is one of the most common forms of viral conjunctivitis. Research indicates that the symptoms of adenoviral conjunctivitis can persist for a significant period. In a study involving 28 participants, it was found that higher viral titers were correlated with more severe symptoms and a longer time to viral clearance, with symptoms and signs persisting for up to 21 days in some cases3. Another study on nosocomial conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus type 4 reported that the illness lasted between five to seven days, with infectious virus present in the eyes for up to 10 days after symptom onset4.
Enteroviral Conjunctivitis
Enterovirus 70 (EV70) is another virus known to cause conjunctivitis. An epidemic of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Delhi caused by EV70 and Coxsackie A24 virus showed that symptoms typically lasted for 4-5 days1. This duration is relatively shorter compared to adenoviral conjunctivitis.
SARS-CoV-2 Conjunctivitis
The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the ocular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2. In one case study, a patient with confirmed COVID-19 and bilateral acute conjunctivitis had detectable viral RNA in conjunctival swabs for up to 17 days, with symptoms resolving by day 192. Another case reported complete recovery from conjunctivitis within 10 days, with viral RNA no longer detectable in conjunctival samples by that time6.
Factors Influencing Duration
Severity of Infection
The severity of the infection plays a crucial role in the duration of viral conjunctivitis. Higher viral loads are associated with more severe symptoms and a longer duration of the infection3. This correlation suggests that patients with more severe initial symptoms may experience a prolonged course of the disease.
Viral Strain
Different viral strains have varying impacts on the duration of conjunctivitis. For instance, adenoviral infections tend to last longer compared to enteroviral infections1 3 4. The specific characteristics of the virus, such as its ability to persist in ocular tissues, influence the duration of symptoms.
Conclusion
The duration of viral conjunctivitis varies depending on the causative virus and the severity of the infection. Adenoviral conjunctivitis can last up to 21 days, while enteroviral conjunctivitis typically resolves within 4-5 days. SARS-CoV-2-related conjunctivitis may persist for up to 19 days. Understanding these variations can help in managing patient expectations and implementing appropriate treatment and isolation measures.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
An epidemic of viral acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Delhi in 1994.
Viral acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Delhi in 1994 was mainly caused by Cox A 24 and Entero Virus 70, with super added bacterial infection occurring in 33% of cases.
Observational StudyOcular manifestations of a hospitalised patient with confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus disease
SARS-CoV-2 can cause ocular complications like viral conjunctivitis in the middle phase of illness, but early diagnosis may be challenging due to virus non-appearance in the conjunctiva.
Case Report
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedCorrelation of Adenoviral Titers with Severity of Adenoviral Conjunctivitis and Time to Viral Clearance for 21 Days
Higher conjunctival viral titers are strongly correlated with more severe symptoms and longer time to viral clearance in adenoviral conjunctivitis, with symptoms persisting after viral clearance.
Nosocomial conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus type 4.
Isolation of patients with adenovirus pneumonia and barrier nursing are recommended to prevent nosocomial adenoviral infection and its consequences.
Case ReportViral conjunctivitis with special reference to adenovirus type 37 and enterovirus 70 infection.
Ad37 and enterovirus 70 are important causative agents of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Japan, with Ad37 playing a significant role in the disease.
Observational StudyA Patient With Bilateral Conjunctivitis Positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Conjunctival Sample
Bilateral conjunctivitis is rare in COVID-19 patients, and conjunctival secretions may be a source of contamination, requiring protective measures.
Case ReportRigorous JournalViral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Prevention of disastrous results.
Treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic for bacterial conjunctivitis resolves the problem in most cases, while trifluridine (Viroptic) is recommended for viral conjunctivitis.
Is it possible to detect the presence of adenovirus in conjunctiva before the onset of conjunctivitis?
Detecting adenovirus in conjunctiva before the onset of conjunctivitis is possible using immunochromatography and PCR tests.
Observational StudyViral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Prevention of disastrous results.
Treat viral conjunctivitis with trifluridine (Viroptic) and refer to an ophthalmologist for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in conjunctival secretions: Is it a valuable diagnostic method of COVID‐19?
Detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in conjunctival secretions is a valuable diagnostic method for COVID-19, regardless of the presence of conjunctivitis.
Observational Study