Outbreak of adenovirus type-8 conjunctivitis among healthcare workers in the ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary hospital: Management and infection control measures
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2025
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Elsevier Inc.
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Özet
Background This study documents an outbreak of Human adenovirus (HAdV) keratoconjunctivitis originating in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary hospital and spreading to the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods Following ORION guidelines, the Hospital Infection Control Committee launched an investigation after clusters of keratoconjunctivitis in healthcare workers reported over 4-week. Patient records were reviewed, environmental and patient samples collected, and PCR analyses performed. Infection control measures were implemented, and their effectiveness was assessed through follow-up testing. The institutional burden of the outbreak was analyzed. Results Twelve healthcare workers were affected (8 ophthalmology, 4 neonatal intensive care unit). PCR confirmed HAdV in conjunctival swabs from 11 tested individuals, including cases infected more than 3 weeks earlier. Viral contamination was detected on 10/16 environmental surfaces in the ophthalmology clinic. Genotyping identified HAdV type-8. The outbreak imposed major operational burdens, especially workforce loss. Chlorine solution achieved rapid surface disinfection, while 0.36% hydrogen peroxide required repeated applications for chlorine-sensitive devices. Following enhanced disinfection protocols and temporary clinic closure during a holiday, no new cases occurred. Discussion This outbreak, which continued until the Infection Control Committee intervened, underlines the high environmental contamination of HAdV and the critical importance of a swift, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary response. Conclusions This study demonstrates that targeted disinfection and strict Infection control measures are essential for containing such outbreaks and mitigating their significant operational and financial impact on healthcare institutions. Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Adenovirus type-8 outbreak, Chlorine, Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, Hydrogen peroxide, ORION
Kaynak
American Journal of Infection Control
WoS Q Değeri
Scopus Q Değeri
Q1
