Mohammed A.Garout^1,, Hani A Jokhdar¹, Magda R. Abelwadood²

Background: Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can infect the membranes (tissue linings) of the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, and urinary tract. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the clear inside lining of the eyelids and the outer layer of the sclera and is commonly referred to as “pink eye.” It can have either infectious or non-infectious causes. A common cause of infectious conjunctivitis is by the DNA virus Adenovirus which consists of several different serotypes between 65% and 90% of cases of viral conjunctivitis are caused by adenoviruses, and they produce two of the common clinical entities associated with viral conjunctivitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever and epidemic keratoconjunctivitis., whereas epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is more severe and presents with watery discharge, hyperemia, and ipsilateral lymphadenopathy. Adenovirus is highly contagious, so multiple cases are common in close-contact settings .The types of adenovirus causing pinkeye may be transmitted by water (in lakes and swimming pools), by sharing contaminated objects (such as towels or toys), or by touch. Patients should avoid touching their eyes, shaking hands, and sharing towels, among other activities. Transmission may occur through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands or by contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites, or contaminated swimming pools. Purpose: To find out the role and molecular epidemiological feature of adenovirus as etiologic agent in acute conjunctivitis in Saudi Arabia, In addition highlight the importance of implementing the proper infection control practices in ambulatory care. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at outpatient clinic at one of Specialized Eye Hospital in Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dates of the study were from October 2013 till April 2014. This study included 404 patients with acute follicular conjunctivitis presented to outpatient clinic. All specimens were examined by direct immunofluorescence antibody test for adenovirus. The positive specimens were then subjected for PCR genotyping. Results: Adenovirus was detected in 83 patients out of 404 (20.5%). 14 cases out of 83 (16.8%) were healthcare associated infection. The percentages of different serotypes of adenovirus were as follows; the predominant serotype was Ad4 24 out of 83 (28.9%), then Ad19 was 19 out of 83 (22.8 %), whereas Ad8, Ad37, Ad11, Ad3 and were identified in 8.4%, 4.8%, 3.6 %, and 3.6% respectively. Conclusion: This study confirmed the endemicity of adenoviruses as etiological agent of acute conjunctivitis, You can protect yourself and others from adenoviruses illnesses by Wash your hands often with soap and water &, keep surfaces clean, &strictly follow infection control practices.

Molecular epidemiological, follicular conjunctivitis, immunofluorescence, endemicity, Adenovirus, PCR genotyping