Follicle formation is most commonly associated with which type of conjunctivitis?

• A. Acute Non-Specific Adenoviral Conjunctivitis
• B. Gonococcal Conjunctivitis
• C. Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
• D. Pharyngoconjunctival Fever

Answer: (A)

Follicle formation on the conjunctiva is a hallmark of viral conjunctivitis, most commonly due to adenovirus. In the typical acute non-specific adenoviral conjunctivitis, follicles appear on the inferior palpebral conjunctiva as part of the lymphoid reaction to the virus. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis can also show follicles but is usually more severe, with keratitis and possible subepithelial infiltrates. Pharyngoconjunctival fever involves fever and sore throat in addition to conjunctivitis, and gonococcal conjunctivitis is a hyperacute bacterial infection with profuse purulent discharge rather than a prominent follicular response. So the classic association for follicle formation is acute non-specific adenoviral conjunctivitis.