Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is an eye surface infection caused by adenovirus and is highly contagious. Till date, no treatment exists with approved curable effect against it; however, it is considered as the most common cause of red eye in the world. Thus, this study aimed to explore the current up-to-date general information regarding EKC, current followed prevention and management plans, its pathophysiology, disease mode of transmission, and the latest published general recommendation regarding EKC. Selective literature review was done. The findings suggested that care providers should interfere in the stage of viral replication and try to prevent visual consequences such as opacity and sub epithelial infiltrates or glaucoma. Educating the community about health, eye care, hygienic measures, and the right ways to prevent infection transmission is an important step. Treating EKC by combining the povidone-iodine and ganciclovir drops showed promising results, but it needs to be tested in more controlled studies. Furthermore, health care providers could have a big role in the spread of EKC via contaminated ophthalmologic tools and clinics. Thereby, establishing strict infection control measures would be an important step for prevention. However, confirmed EKC cases in a health facility should be reported to the local health department to initiate infection and epidemic outbreak protocols.
Key words: Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, adenovirus, pseudo membrane, sub epithelial infiltrates, viral shedding
|
