A Multicentric Molecular Study on the Conjunctivitis Outbreak in Delhi: Keeping an Eye on “Pink Eye”
Volume 8, Issue 4, Autumn 2023, Pages 362-368
https://doi.org/10.30491/hpr.2024.429955.1410
Gopal Krushna Das, Bineeta Kashyap, Ashish Bahal, Pooja Yadav, Babli Singh, Neha Singh, Sharanya .
Abstract Background: Hospitals in the national capital were staring at the rising cases of pink eye, more than 100 of which had been daily hitting the outpatient departments of major hospitals in Delhi during the month of July 2023. Outbreaks of Conjunctivitis are common globally, with people across all age and socio-economic status getting affected.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to do a molecular analysis on the etiology in cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
Methods: A multicentric prospective observational study was carried out during the outbreak of conjunctivitis in Delhi. The clinical samples were processed by polymerase chain reaction for common etiology of acute keratoconjunctivitis.
Results: Adenoviral etiology was witnessed in 8.3% of cases, while no other bacterial or viral etiology could be documented.
Conclusion: Studying the etiological pattern of any outbreak of infections can provide insights into the prevalent transmissible pathogens and help in future preparedness.