Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis caused by a new genotype of adenovirus type 8 (Ad8) - A chronological review of Ad8 in southern Taiwan

Purpose: To understand the pathogenic evolution of viral keratoconjunctivit is in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a retrospective molecular and clinical analysis wa s conducted. Methods: From January 1990 to December 1994, conjunctival swab samples from patients suspected of having viral conjunctivitis were collected for viral culture isolation, neutralization test (NT), and endonuclease cleavage ana lysis. Six restriction endonucleases, comprising HindIII, BamHI, SalI, SstI , SmaI and PstI, were used for cleavage. Clinical examinations of patients were performed by two senior ophthalmologists. Results: Twenty-one cases of a new genotype of adenovirus (Ad) type 8, desi gnated as Ad8H, were discovered in the 27 detected adenovirus cases. The Ad 8H has a distinct cleavage pattern, especially by HindIII and SalI. The Ad8 H. keratoconjunctivitis induced more subconjunctival hemorrhage (33.3%), ke ratitis (33.3%), and lymphadenopathy (85.7%) than other genotypes of Ad8 pr eviously isolated in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Conclusion: We have discovered a new genotype, Ad8H, which was prevalent as the main pathogen of the adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis in Kaohsiung, Tai wan from 1990 to 1994. Adenovirus type 8 is evolving into more genotypes wi th a trend towards more severe symptoms. including subconjunctival hemorrha ge, keratitis, and lymphadenopathy. (C) 2001 Japanese Ophthalmological Soci ety.