Evidence for persistence of adenovirus in the tear film a decade following conjunctivitis

Abstract

Chronic papillary conjunctivitis has been described following adenoviral conjunctivitis. It is unknown however, how long adenovirus is able to persist in the tear film and conjunctiva. To determine if adenovirus persists in the ocular surface following adenoviral conjunctivitis, 304 patients with a history of adenovirus conjunctivitis from whom an adenovirus had been isolated 10 years previously were sent a questionnaire regarding persistent or recurrent symptoms and were invited to attend. Patients were examined and samples of tears and conjunctival cells were collected from both eyes using tear film washes, filter paper, and swabs, the latter for virus isolation. Extracted DNA from the ocular samples was amplified using primers for herpes simplex virus (thymidine kinase) and adenovirus (hexon) genes. Adenovirus amplicons were sequenced and compared to original serotype. Thirty patients attended, 19 of whom had persistent papillary conjunctivitis. Evidence of adenovirus DNA was detected in 17 of 30 patients, 15 of whom also had evidence of a chronic papillary conjunctivitis. Adenovirus DNA was significantly associated with papillary conjunctivitis (P = 0.03). Adenovirus amplicons were successfully sequenced from six patients. Four patients harbored type 3 adenovirus, the same serotype with which they were infected originally 10 years previously. Two patients were infected originally with adenovirus serotype 3 but the current serotype was type 4. Infection of the ocular surface with adenovirus may predispose to the development of a persistent or recurrent conjunctivitis, the presence of which, appears to be associated with evidence of long term persistence of adenovirus DNA.

The Possibility of Human Adenovirus Detection From the Conjunctiva in Asymptomatic Cases During Nosocomial Infection

“…In previous reports, chronic or persistent infection with adenoviral conjunctivitis was reported, and HAdV pathogens were identified several years after the onset of the conjunctivitis. [10][11][12] Our cases were potentially chronic or persistent infections, and HAdV DNA, present from the previous infection, could be detected. However, most cases in previous reports have presented with and continued to show only weak symptoms, mainly follicle formation and subepithelial corneal infiltration.…”

“…As a result, a variety of symptoms associated with adenoviral conjunctivitis has been shown. 5,10,11 Our study examined nosocomial conjunctivitis infection by HAdV-37 in an ophthalmology ward. HAdV-37 conjunctivitis was far more prevalent than HAdV-8 or HAdV-19 from 2003 to early 2005 in Japan, and several nosocomial conjunctivitis infection cases by HAdV-37 have been reported.…”

Fiber Mediated Receptor Masking in Non-Infected Bystander Cells Restricts Adenovirus Cell Killing Effect but Promotes Adenovirus Host Co-Existence

“…There are significant differences in the pathogenicity and course of disease among different serotypes, and infection of certain serotypes can persist for years in immune competent individuals [1], [4], [31]. Host cells when infected with adenovirus, activate host-antiviral defense mechanisms, such as the production of interferon molecules and inflammatory cytokines [32].…”

Human Bocavirus Infection among Children, Jordan

“…However, larger cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies of HBoV-infected children are needed to determine whether HBoV causes ARI, its effect on children, and its seasonality. In addition, HBoV, similar to some adenoviruses ( 14 ) and other human parvoviruses, may show persistent shedding after an initial acute infection.…”