Abstract
Infectious conjunctivitis may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The conjunctiva is protected by defense mechanisms including the integrity of the conjunctival epithelium, the innate immunity, lymphoid tissue in the substantia propria, the continuous blinking, and the constituents of tears. Disruption of the anatomic integrity of the epithelium in dry eye syndrome and mechanical trauma may render the conjunctiva more susceptible to infectious agents. In addition, the topical use and abuse of topical corticosteroids may predispose the conjunctiva to ocular surface infections.
Infectious conjunctivitis may be classified according to the causative agents into bacterial conjunctivitis including chlamydial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, fungal conjunctivitis, and parasitic conjunctivitis.
The majority of infections of the conjunctiva are self-limited, while other types of infections require specific antimicrobial therapy to prevent ocular or systemic complications.
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Tabbara, K.F. (2014). Infectious Conjunctivitis. In: Tabbara, K., El-Asrar, A., Khairallah, M. (eds) Ocular Infections. Essentials in Ophthalmology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-43981-4_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-43981-4_6
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