Which serotype is classically associated with EKC?

Which serotype is classically associated with EKC?

• A. 3
• B. 8
• C. 9
• D. 17

Answer: (B)

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a highly contagious, severe form of conjunctivitis caused by certain adenovirus serotypes. The most classically associated serotype is adenovirus type 8, which is well known for driving EKC outbreaks. Other serotypes such as 19 and 37 can also be involved, but type 8 is the classic link to EKC. Clinically, EKC presents with a pronounced follicular conjunctivitis, marked redness, significant tearing, and often preauricular lymphadenopathy. It can be accompanied by keratitis with subepithelial corneal infiltrates, which may affect vision for weeks. The other serotypes listed are more commonly associated with milder conjunctivitis or different clinical syndromes (for example, pharyngoconjunctival fever), not the classic EKC picture. So, the serotype most characteristically tied to EKC is adenovirus type 8.

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a highly contagious, severe form of conjunctivitis caused by certain adenovirus serotypes. The most classically associated serotype is adenovirus type 8, which is well known for driving EKC outbreaks. Other serotypes such as 19 and 37 can also be involved, but type 8 is the classic link to EKC.

Clinically, EKC presents with a pronounced follicular conjunctivitis, marked redness, significant tearing, and often preauricular lymphadenopathy. It can be accompanied by keratitis with subepithelial corneal infiltrates, which may affect vision for weeks. The other serotypes listed are more commonly associated with milder conjunctivitis or different clinical syndromes (for example, pharyngoconjunctival fever), not the classic EKC picture.

So, the serotype most characteristically tied to EKC is adenovirus type 8.