Which serotype is classically associated with EKC?

• A. 3
• B. 8
• C. 9
• D. 17

Answer: (B)

Adenovirus type 8 is classically linked to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). EKC is a severe, outbreak-prone conjunctivitis caused by certain adenovirus serotypes, most notably 8 (with others like 19 and 37 also implicated). Clinically, EKC shows marked conjunctival injection with a follicular response, preauricular lymphadenopathy, and can have membrane formation and later subepithelial corneal infiltrates that may persist for weeks. Among the serotypes listed, type 8 is the classic EKC-associated one. The other serotypes are tied to different adenoviral ocular syndromes and don’t fit the EKC pattern as well.