Which virus is primarily responsible for viral conjunctivitis?

Adenovirus is the primary virus associated with viral conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva often characterized by redness, tearing, and discharge from the eye. Adenovirus is especially notorious for outbreaks of conjunctivitis, particularly in settings like schools and daycare centers, due to its highly contagious nature.

This virus is capable of causing epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, a more severe form of conjunctivitis that can lead to significant discomfort and impaired vision. The distinct symptoms, coupled with the ability of adenovirus to spread efficiently through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces, make it the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis.

While other viruses may cause conjunctival inflammation, they are not the primary culprits for this specific condition. For instance, rhinovirus primarily causes respiratory infections rather than conjunctivitis, herpes simplex virus can lead to ocular lesions but is not widely recognized as a common cause of conjunctivitis, and varicella-zoster virus is mainly associated with chickenpox and shingles rather than conjunctival infections. Thus, adenovirus is the clear answer when considering the main viral pathogen in viral conjunctivitis.