Investigating Epstein-Barr Virus Associated Conjunctivitis

NCT ID: NCT06689397

Last Updated: 2024-11-14

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Total Enrollment: 5 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-10-09
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-02

Brief Summary

Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer over the white of the eye and under the eyelids. Acute conjunctivitis caused by infection is the most common condition seen in ophthalmic emergency departments, accounting for up to 10% of cases. It is responsible for 41% of eye-related general practice consultations. A diagnosis is usually made on the patient's symptoms and signs, despite this being less reliable than laboratory testing. When a cause is found, it is usually a common cold virus called adenovirus, that gets better with time and does not require treatment.

Through investigating cases of conjunctivitis at Moorfields, it has been discovered that in addition to adenovirus, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is sometimes detected in conjunctival swabs from individuals with conjunctivitis. EBV is a very common viral infection that 95% of adults have experienced. EBV infection mostly passes unnoticed but when symptoms do occur, they include a sore throat, high temperature, swollen glands and tiredness, often called glandular fever or infectious mononucleosis. Conjunctivitis can also occur. EBV remains in the body after infection and rarely causes further problems. The virus can become active again occasionally, which is known as reactivation.

Reactivation usually passes unnoticed but sometimes is associated with recurrence of symptoms. It is possible that reactivation may cause conjunctivitis. It is not certain, which is will be observed as a part of this study, as it might be the cause of some of the conjunctivitis seen.

Through a collaboration with University College London (UCL), the aim is to gain further insight into infectious conjunctivitis, particularly in relation to EBV. This will be done by taking a swab of the conjunctiva, a single blood test and a tiny (1-2mm) tissue sample from the inner eyelid. Improved knowledge will allow the research team to develop better guidance and treatment for patients with conjunctivitis.

Conditions

Conjunctivitis; EBV Infection

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants shall be considered eligible for inclusion if:

• Aged ≥16 years;
• working diagnosis of infective (viral) follicular conjunctivitis (<4 weeks duration)
• EBV positive conjunctival swab

Exclusion Criteria

• • Present with symptoms/signs such that another diagnosis is deemed more likely, for example topical medication-induced conjunctivitis.

• Participant declines diagnostic tests or appropriate corneal or conjunctival sample(s) not obtained for any reason

• Minimum Eligible Age: 16 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Locations

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

London, , United Kingdom

Countries

United Kingdom

Other Identifiers

342525

Identifier Type: OTHER

Identifier Source: secondary_id

24/YH/0160

Identifier Type: OTHER

Identifier Source: secondary_id

LARF1028

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id