pharyngoconjunctival fever

Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) is a contagious viral disease caused by adenoviruses, resulting in respiratory tract infections with symptoms like a common cold, cough, and pneumonia [1]. It typically affects children and adolescents, presenting a unique clinical picture that combines pharyngitis and conjunctivitis, often accompanied by fever [2].

The condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat)
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes)
• Fever
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Malaise (general feeling of being unwell)
• GI disturbances

Additionally, PCF can cause more severe complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome [3].

The disease is highly infectious and can spread through contaminated water sources, such as swimming pools, or through close contact with an infected person [4]. Adenoviruses are the most common cause of acute viral infections of the conjunctiva, occurring epidemically or sporadically throughout all seasons [5].

It's essential to note that PCF is a syndrome attributed to human adenovirus B, particularly serotype 3, which causes small outbreaks, mainly among children. The main sources of infection are contaminated waters of swimming pools and close contact with an infected person [6].

References: [1] - Description Category Score Molecular Variation Experimental Inferred PMIDs; 1: CXADR: CXADR

Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) presents a unique clinical picture that combines several symptoms, which can be summarized as follows:

• Fever: A sudden or gradual onset of fever ranging from 100-104°F, lasting up to 10 days [4].
• Pharyngitis: Sore throat, hoarseness, cough, or local signs of pharyngeal inflammation [14].
• Conjunctivitis: Eye pain, redness, irritation, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and watery discharge [7].
• Regional lymphoid hyperplasia: Tender, enlarged preauricular adenopathy (swollen glands in the neck) [1].
• Myalgia and malaise: Muscle aches and general feeling of weakness or discomfort [11].
• GI disturbances: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can also be present [12].

It's worth noting that PCF is often characterized by its distinctive combination of pharyngitis and conjunctivitis, which are usually bilateral (affecting both eyes) [3]. The symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but fever, sore throat, and red eyes are common presentations.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [7] - Context result 7 [11] - Context result 11 [12] - Context result 12 [14] - Context result 14

Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests.

Clinical Examination

A healthcare provider will typically look for the combination of pharyngitis and conjunctivitis symptoms along with fever, which are characteristic of PCF [2]. This is often the first step in diagnosing PCF.

Laboratory Tests

Several diagnostic tests can be used to confirm the presence of adenovirus, the causative agent of PCF. These include:

• Electron microscopy: This test can detect adenovirus particles in clinical specimens [1].
• Immunofluorescence: This test uses antibodies to detect adenovirus antigens in cells [5].
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This is a molecular test that can amplify and detect adenoviral DNA [6].
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): This test detects the presence of adenovirus-specific antibodies in serum or other bodily fluids [5].
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): These are rapid, office-based tests that can detect adenoviral RNA or DNA [6].

Other Diagnostic Tests

Additional testing may be performed to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. For example:

• Upper and lower eyelid eversion: This test examines the conjunctival surface for papillae, follicles, and pseudomembrane formation [7].
• Laboratory tests can also help differentiate PCF from acute Kawasaki disease (KD) using laboratory tests before results of virus-real time PCR [8].

Diagnostic Tests in Outbreaks

In cases where PCF has been suspected to be transmitted through swimming pools or other public places, additional diagnostic tests may be performed to confirm the presence of adenovirus. These include:

• Viral diagnostic tests: These can provide some guidance on the diagnosis of PCF [12].
• Adenoviral pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) is a highly infectious ocular fever caused by the adenovirus, and various diagnostic tests are used to confirm its presence.

References: [1] - Electron microscopy [2] - Clinical Examination [5] - Immunofluorescence [6] - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [7] - Upper and lower eyelid eversion [8] - Differentiating PCF from acute Kawasaki disease (KD)

Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) is a viral infection caused by adenoviruses, and its treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's recovery process.

Topical Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Topical anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the eyes. These medications are often prescribed to alleviate discomfort and promote healing [9][10].

Cold Compresses

Applying cold compresses to the affected eye area may also provide relief from symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain [8].

Antiviral Medications

While there is no specific antiviral medication available for treating PCF, some studies have explored the effectiveness of cidofovir in treating adenovirus infections, including pneumonitis [13]. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Other Treatment Options

In some cases, doctors may prescribe a combination antibiotic-steroid eye drop to reduce inflammation and prevent infection [9].

It's essential to note that treatment for PCF should only be administered under the guidance of a trained medical professional. Self-medication or attempting to treat the condition without proper expertise can lead to complications.

References:

[8] Medical therapy. Viral conjunctivitis treatment. [9] Jul 26, 2023 — Afterward, most doctors prescribe a combination antibiotic-steroid combination eye drop to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Are They ... [10] Topical anti-inflammatory drugs help, like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids, reduce inflammation. [13] First-line treatment of HAdV disease including pneumonitis is cidofovir (5 mg/kg ... Other drugs have been evaluated, including ...

Pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) is a contagious viral disease caused by adenoviruses, resulting in respiratory tract infections with symptoms like a common cold [4]. When diagnosing PCF, it's essential to consider other possible causes that may present similar clinical features.

The differential diagnosis for pharyngoconjunctival fever includes:

• Acute respiratory illness, often seen in children
• Viral pneumonia, characterized by sudden onset of high fever and rapid infection of upper and lower respiratory tracts [8]
• Bacterial infections, including chlamydial infections, which can cause similar symptoms to PCF [9]

In some cases, the differential diagnosis may also include other viral or bacterial causes of conjunctivitis, such as adenoviral pharyngitis (pharyngoconjunctival fever), herpes simplex virus, trachoma, molluscum contagiosum, and varicella-zoster virus [12].

It's worth noting that PCF is usually self-limiting and resolves on its own within a few days to a week. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to seek medical attention to rule out other potential causes.

References:

• [4] Pharyngoconjunctival fever is a contagious viral disease caused by adenoviruses...
• [8] by Z Jetpuri — Differential Diagnosis · Acute respiratory illness. Mostly in children · Viral pneumonia. Sudden onset of high fever, rapid infection of upper and lower ...
• [9] by J Hoffman · 2020 · Cited by 28 — The differential diagnosis includes bacterial (including chlamydial) ... This is in contrast with pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) ...
• [12] The differential diagnosis of acute follicular con-junctivitis includes adenoviral and chlamydial infec-tions, primary herpes simplex, trathoma, molluscum ... Pharyngoconjunctival fever