Coxsackievirus A24 variant associated with acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreak in Bhutan, 2023.

ABSTRACT: In 2023, Bhutan detected an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in southern and central regions, coinciding with similar outbreaks reported in South and Southeast Asia. Laboratory results from clinical specimens were initially inconclusive in identifying the etiological agent. To address this, 18 clinical samples, comprising conjunctival swabs and throat/nasal swabs from nine patients were collected and sent to WRAIR-AFRIMS for further analysis. Specimens were tested using multiplex real-time RT-PCR (Fast-track respiratory 21 kit, FTD21) and hybrid-capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) with the Illumina Viral Surveillance Panel. FTD21 testing identified human adenovirus, human bocavirus, influenza A, enterovirus, and/or human rhinovirus in 10/18 specimens (56%). A h

SUBMITTER: Gyeltshen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12037851 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature