acute contagious conjunctivitis

Acute Contagious Conjunctivitis: A Highly Infectious Eye Condition

Acute contagious conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a highly infectious and contagious form of conjunctivitis that affects the eyes. It is characterized by an irritated red eye with a watery or purulent discharge [4]. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, allergies, mechanical stress, and irritation from toxic chemicals or medication [4].

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute contagious conjunctivitis include:

• Eye redness or swelling
• A watery or purulent discharge
• Irritation and discomfort in the affected eye

These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, the infection may spread from one eye to both eyes within a day or two [13].

Contagious Nature

Acute contagious conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread through:

• Hand-to-eye contact with contaminated hands or objects
• Contact with infected individuals
• Sharing of cosmetics or contact lens containers

The contagious forms of conjunctivitis can also spread easily on certain objects, especially eye-related items [3].

Duration

Acute contagious conjunctivitis can last for a short period, typically under four weeks. However, in some cases, it may persist for more than four weeks, becoming chronic [3].

Treatment

The treatment for acute contagious conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. For viral and bacterial infections, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat the infection. In some cases, no medication is required, and the condition will resolve on its own.

It's essential to note that viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics, as they are ineffective against viruses [8]. Instead, supportive care such as eye drops or ointments may be recommended to alleviate symptoms.

Prevention

To prevent the spread of acute contagious conjunctivitis:

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently
• Avoid sharing cosmetics or contact lens containers
• Avoid touching your eyes with contaminated hands

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of contracting this highly infectious eye condition.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Acute Contagious Conjunctivitis

Acute contagious conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a highly contagious condition that affects the eyes. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Redness: The most noticeable symptom is redness of the eye, which can be accompanied by swelling.
• Discharge: A watery or purulent discharge from the eye is a common symptom, especially in cases caused by bacterial or viral infections.
• Itching: Itchy eyes are another common symptom, often accompanied by a gritty sensation.
• Pain: Pain and discomfort in the eye can also occur, which may feel itchy or gritty.
• Swollen eyelids: Swelling of the eyelids can be a sign of acute contagious conjunctivitis.

Additional Symptoms

In some cases, additional symptoms may include:

• Burning eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Decreased vision
• Chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva)

Important Note

It's essential to note that some symptoms can be a sign of a serious problem, such as an ulcer, which can result in permanent vision loss. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.

References:

• [1] Symptoms of acute conjunctivitis include an irritated red eye with a watery or purulent discharge.
• [2] Typical signs and symptoms include: Red eye. Purulent discharge that causes eyelids to be matted together. Chemosis. Decreased vision. Eyelid swelling and pain
• [5] It's also usual to have discomfort in the eye, which may feel itchy or gritty. Often, there's some discharge from the eye, and pain and swelling of the ...
• [8] Eye discharge tends to be watery in viral conjunctivitis and thicker white, green, or yellow in bacterial conjunctivitis.
• [10] Typical symptoms include redness and a gritty sensation in your eye, along with itching. Often a discharge forms a crust on your eyelashes during the night.

Diagnostic Tests for Acute Contagious Conjunctivitis

Acute contagious conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common methods used to diagnose this condition:

• Clinical Examination: A comprehensive eye examination is usually sufficient to diagnose acute contagious conjunctivitis. This involves a basic examination and a focused ocular history (see Box 1) [8].
• Rapid Antigen Test: A rapid antigen test can be used to diagnose viral conjunctivitis, including adenovirus, which is the most common cause of this condition [4]. This test is an appropriate strategy for diagnosing viral conjunctivitis and avoiding inappropriate use of antibiotics.
• Conjunctival Scrapings or Cultures: Conjunctival scrapings or cultures may be performed to diagnose bacterial or viral infections. However, these tests are generally not needed except in resistant cases [7].
• Viral Cultures or Immunodiagnostic Testing: Viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing may be indicated in some cases to confirm the diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis [6].

Precautions and Considerations

It's essential to note that bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so measures should be taken to prevent the spread of infection. A rapid diagnostic test can help identify the cause of the condition and guide treatment decisions.

References:

[4] Hørven I. Acute conjunctivitis. [6] Symptoms include irritation, photophobia, and watery discharge. Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated. [7] Dec 11, 2022 — Conjunctival scrapings or cultures (bacterial/viral) are generally not needed except in resistant cases as cases diagnosed clinically, also ... [8] A basic examination (see Box 1) and a focused ocular history is usually all that is required to diagnose bacterial conjunctivitis. Symptoms can often overlap, ...

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are different types of contagious conjunctivitis, including viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

Viral Conjunctivitis

• Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and mostly spread through hand-to-eye contact by hands or objects that are contaminated with the virus [10].
• Most cases of acute, infectious conjunctivitis in adults are viral and self-limited; these cases do not require antimicrobial treatment [11].
• Antiviral medication may be prescribed for viral conjunctivitis secondary to adenoviruses, which is highly contagious [12].

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Bacterial conjunctivitis is relatively less common than viral conjunctivitis but can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments [7].
• Application of antibiotic ointments or eye drops to the eyes is generally effective in treating bacterial conjunctivitis [8].
• Topical antibiotic therapy may reduce the duration of disease, and oral antibiotics are also used in some cases [9].

General Treatment

• The treatment for contagious conjunctivitis depends on the cause, with viral conjunctivitis being self-limited and not requiring antimicrobial treatment, while bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic treatment.
• Conjunctivitis is usually treated with topical antibiotics, augmented by systemic antibiotics if necessary [6].

It's essential to note that the specific treatment for contagious conjunctivitis should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual case and cause of the condition.

References: [10] [11] [12]

Differential Diagnosis of Acute Contagious Conjunctivitis

Acute contagious conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be caused by various factors including viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. The differential diagnosis of this condition is crucial to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Viral vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

The most common causes of acute contagious conjunctivitis are viral and bacterial infections. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread through hand-to-eye contact, contaminated objects, or airborne transmission [3]. On the other hand, bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious but can be differentiated from viral conjunctivitis based on discharge (mucopurulent vs watery) and age of the affected child [7].

Other Causes

In addition to viral and bacterial infections, acute contagious conjunctivitis can also be caused by fungal and parasitic infections. Fungal conjunctivitis is relatively rare but can be severe in immunocompromised individuals [5]. Parasitic conjunctivitis is even rarer and usually occurs in tropical regions.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of acute contagious conjunctivitis includes other conditions that present with similar symptoms such as:

• Blepharitis: an inflammation of the eyelids
• Keratitis: an inflammation of the cornea
• Scleritis: an inflammation of the sclera (white part of the eye)
• Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC): a highly contagious form of conjunctivitis characterized by sudden onset of painful red eyes [9]

Key Diagnostic Factors

The key diagnostic factors for acute contagious conjunctivitis include:

• Watery discharge
• Ropy, mucoid discharge
• Purulent discharge
• Itching predominant symptom
• Red eye
• Eyelids stuck together in morning

It is essential to note that the diagnosis of acute contagious conjunctivitis can be difficult due to clinical ambiguity between viral and bacterial forms as well as allergic forms [11]. Therefore, a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.

References

[3] Apr 15, 2024 — Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious and mostly spread through hand-to-eye contact by hands or objects that are contaminated with the virus. [7] Oct 2, 2023 — Bacterial conjunctivitis can be differentiated from viral conjunctivitis based on discharge (mucopurulent vs. watery), age of the affected child... [11] The diagnosis of acute infectious conjunctivitis can be difficult. Clinical ambiguity exists between the acute viral and bacterial as well as the allergic forms, which can confound diagnosis. [9] Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC): a highly contagious form of conjunctivitis characterized by sudden onset of painful red eyes [9].