Which conjunctivitis is commonly associated with pseudomembrane formation?

Which conjunctivitis is commonly associated with pseudomembrane formation?

• A. PCF
• B. EKC
• C. Non-specific conjunctivitis
• D. Trachoma

Answer: (B)

Pseudomembrane formation on the conjunctiva is a sign of a severe mucosal inflammatory response, most characteristic of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis caused by adenovirus. In EKC, the inflamed conjunctiva develops a fibrin-rich exudate that forms a membrane on the surface and can peel away, often bleeding when detached. This membrane feature helps distinguish EKC from milder or non-specific conjunctivitis, which lacks such membranes. While advanced trachoma can involve membranes in some cases, the classic teaching is that pseudomembranes are a hallmark of EKC. EKC also tends to present with marked conjunctival injection, tearing, lid edema, mucopurulent discharge, and preauricular lymphadenopathy, and it is highly contagious.

Pseudomembrane formation on the conjunctiva is a sign of a severe mucosal inflammatory response, most characteristic of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis caused by adenovirus. In EKC, the inflamed conjunctiva develops a fibrin-rich exudate that forms a membrane on the surface and can peel away, often bleeding when detached. This membrane feature helps distinguish EKC from milder or non-specific conjunctivitis, which lacks such membranes. While advanced trachoma can involve membranes in some cases, the classic teaching is that pseudomembranes are a hallmark of EKC. EKC also tends to present with marked conjunctival injection, tearing, lid edema, mucopurulent discharge, and preauricular lymphadenopathy, and it is highly contagious.