Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The aetiology of conjunctivitis may be a consequence of virus, bacteria, toxic agents, allergens and chemicals (Parcell et al. 2013). Viral conjunctivitis is the emerging form of conjunctivitis and refers to all conjunctiva inflammation processes that result from viral infections (Allergic Conjunctivitis 2010). Some viruses responsible for viral conjunctivitis include adenovirus, HIV, and poxvirus (Silverman 2014).
Adenoviruses are the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis and fall under the family of Adenoviridae (Scott 2014). Biological, social, economic and ecological factors have been instrumental in the reappearance of conjunctivitis (Scott 2014). The need for economic growth requires industrialisation, which significantly affects atmospheric conditions and increases conjunctivitis causing allergens (Kimura et al. 2009). Also, social factors, such as population density have attributed to recent increase in frequency of epidemics associated with conjunctivitis.
Transmission of conjunctivitis is by direct contact, faecal-to-oral transmission, waterborne, or air droplets. The pathological DNA is copied and reproduces within the host cell’s nucleus (Visscher, Hutnik & Thomas 2009). The pathological mRNA is processed in the nucleus and is converted in the cytoplasm. Converted proteins travel back to the nucleus, where new virions converge and subsequently disperse (Visscher, Hutnik & Thomas 2009).
Virus communication with the host cell may be hindered at various steps, which causes an abortive or incomplete sequence (Chennai’s medical history unveiled 2011). This involves the host’s inherent and adaptive immune system. In youths and adults, a higher prevalence of circulating counteracting antibodies supports extensive defence against adenovirus pathogens. Antibodies deactivate viruses by preventing interactions between the viruses and the host cell (Chennai’s medical history unveiled 2011). Antibodies also recognise viral antigens cells that have already been infected by the virus which may result in (ADCCs) or balance-arbitrated lysis (Parcell et al. 2013). The most significant antibody that is released upon when pathogens infect the conjunctiva is the IgA.
Individuals with conjunctivitis may present with a history of current exposure to a person with red eye at school, work, home, or other public places, or they can present with a history of current indications of an upper respiratory tract disease (Azari & Barney 2013). This eye infection is either bilateral or unilateral. Various organisms offer diverse symptoms thus numerous symptoms are possible. Some of the symptoms include external body sensation, ocular irritation, redness of the eyes, tearing, photophobia, and discharge. Other symptoms include malaise, nausea, fever, vesicular eruption, and in extreme cases acute haemorrhage (Silverman 2014).
Diagnosis is done through observation of clinical features. Conjunctivitis is a self-limiting disease and usually requires no medications. International agencies, such as The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) make efforts to manage infectious disease outbreaks (World Health Organisation 2014). The CDC and WHO in conjunction with immunisation programs in different countries and states, organise health education programs and immunisation programs against causative organisms at birth and other stages of life (Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): prevention 2014).
References
Allergic Conjunctivitis 2010. Web.
Azari, A & Barney, P 2013, ‘Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment’, Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 310, pp. 1721–1729.
Chennai’s medical history unveiled 2011. Web.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): prevention 2014. Web.
Kimura, R, Migita, H, Kadonosono, K, & Uchio, E. 2009, ‘Is it possible to detect the presence of adenovirus in conjunctiva before the onset of conjunctivitis?’, Acta Ophthalmol, vol. 87, pp. 44-47.
Parcell, J, Sharpe, G, Jones, B & Alexander, L. 2013, Conjunctivitis induced by a red bodied mite. Web.
Scott, U 2014, Viral Conjunctivitis. Web.
Silverman, A 2014, Acute Conjunctivitis. Web.
Visscher, L, Hutnik, M, & Thomas, M. 2009, ‘Evidence-based treatment of acute infective conjunctivitis: Breaking the cycle of antibiotic prescribing’, Canadian family physician, vol. 55, pp. 1071–1075.
World Health Organisation 2014, Emerging diseases. Web.