Clinical and epidemiological features of adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis.

The pattern of adenovirus infection of the eye in the Bristol area has been considered over a period of 9 years. During this time three outbreaks of keratoconjunctivitis, caused in turn by serotypes 8, 10/19, and 4, were observed. When adenoviruses are subdivided into three groups, based on their haemagglutination properties, it is evident that those serotypes responsible for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis belong to Group II. Ocular infection by serotypes in Groups I and III usually results in a follicular conjunctivitis, with or without upper respiratory tract infection, and with markedly less corneal involvement.