Adenovirus detected by polymerase chain reaction in multidose eyedrop bottles used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: We investigated the potential of a multidose eyedrop bottle used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis as a source for spreading infection.

DESIGN

Prospective consecutive case series.

METHODS

The contents of multidose eyedrop bottles given to patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis and in use for 1 week were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for adenovirus after as long as 9 weeks of preservation at room temperature.

RESULTS

Of 26 patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, the eyedrop bottles of 19 patients (73%) were positive for adenovirus. The maximum detection interval was 9 weeks. Significantly higher prevalences of intrafamilial infection (P =.0098) and of corneal subepithelial opacity (P =.046) were observed among cases with adenoviral contamination than among cases without contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidose bottles used by patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis are a possible vector for viral transmission for as long as 9 weeks.