Allergic conjunctivitis and latent infections.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in a large series the incidence of latent infection during chronic allergic conjunctivitis.

METHODS

In a 5-year follow-up prospective, nonrandomized trial, we evaluated 236 patients (472 eyes) with a history of allergic conjunctivitis but without evidence of infection. Conjunctival scrapings were examined cytologically, and antibiograms and antimicrograms were assessed. The 472 eyes were divided into 5 subgroups based on the percent of eosinophilic cells in conjunctival specimens.

RESULTS

Latent concurrent infection was identified in 176 of 472 eyes (37%): Candida albicans (55.2%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (50.9%), Chlamydia trachomatis (30.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (23%). The incidence of concurrent infection (mainly bacterial infection) strongly correlated with the percent of eosinophilic cells. Concurrent bacterial infection was identified in 26 of 26 cases of the subgroup with the highest percent of eosinophilic cells.

CONCLUSION

Chronic allergic conjunctivitis may be associated with latent infection. Pathogens can stimulate activation of eosinophils with a consequent worsening and chronicity of allergic symptoms.