pharyngoconjunctival

Pharyngoconjunctival refers to an illness or presentation that involves both the pharynx (throat) and the conjunctiva of the eye. The term is most often used with pharyngoconjunctival fever, an adenoviral infection characterized by fever, pharyngitis, and conjunctivitis that can occur in outbreaks, particularly in settings with close contact.

Etiology and transmission: Pharyngoconjunctival fever is most commonly caused by adenoviruses, especially serotypes 3, 4, and 7. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated ocular or pharyngeal secretions, and it can spread via surfaces and in pooled water environments. Outbreaks are common in crowded settings such as schools or camps and can be associated with swimming pools.

Clinical features: Affected individuals typically present with fever, sore throat, and malaise, followed by conjunctival redness and irritation. Eye symptoms include watery or mucopurulent discharge, tearing, and sensitivity to light; the involvement is usually bilateral. The illness is generally self-limited, with symptoms lasting about one to two weeks. Lymph node swelling in the head and neck region may occur.

Diagnosis and differential: Diagnosis is largely clinical. Laboratory testing (such as PCR or antigen detection) may be used in outbreak investigations or atypical cases but is not routinely required. Differential diagnoses include bacterial conjunctivitis, other viral conjunctivitis, and non-adenoviral pharyngitis.

Treatment, prognosis, and prevention: Treatment is supportive, with adequate hydration, analgesics/antipyretics, cold compresses, and artificial tears for eye comfort. Topical antibiotics are not routinely indicated unless bacterial superinfection is suspected. Most people recover within one to two weeks. Preventive measures include good hand hygiene, avoiding sharing towels or other personal items, and not swimming in pools while ill to reduce spread.