Overview
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious viral infection primarily caused by adenoviruses, posing significant risks as healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) in ophthalmology settings 1.Diagnosis
Clinical presentation includes conjunctival hyperemia, watery discharge, and preauricular lymphadenopathy 1.
Exposure history to affected individuals or contaminated environments is crucial 1.
Laboratory confirmation via adenovirus detection through PCR or culture may be necessary 1.Management
First-line treatments: Supportive care including artificial tears, cold compresses, and topical corticosteroids for inflammation (use cautiously to avoid side effects) 1.
Infection control measures: Strict adherence to universal precautions, including proper disinfection protocols for instruments (avoid using only 70% isopropyl alcohol; consider more effective disinfectants) 2.
Patient isolation: Implement isolation precautions to prevent spread, especially in clinical settings 1.Special Populations
Healthcare settings: Enhanced infection control measures are critical to prevent HAIs in ophthalmology clinics 12.
No specific guidance provided for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities based on the given abstracts.Key Recommendations
Implement standardized infection control protocols in ophthalmology clinics to prevent nosocomial EKC outbreaks (Evidence: Strong 1).
Use effective disinfectants other than 70% isopropyl alcohol for high-touch instruments like pneumotonometers to reduce viral transmission (Evidence: Moderate 2).
Enhance surveillance and reporting of EKC cases to promptly identify and manage outbreaks (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).References
1 Alai N. Enhancing best practices in ophthalmology for prevention of nosocomial epidemic keratoconjunctivitis infections. Current medical research and opinion 2016. link
2 Koo D, Bouvier B, Wesley M, Courtright P, Reingold A. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in a university medical center ophthalmology clinic; need for re-evaluation of the design and disinfection of instruments. Infection control and hospital epidemiology 1989. link
3 Hughes DE, Pugh GW. Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: a ring device designed for prolonged retention in the bovine eye. American journal of veterinary research 1975. link