Forecasting Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

SIR,-We were interested in the cases of adenovirus type 19 keratoconjunctivitis reported from Belgium and Holland by Dr. J. Desmyter and others (16 November, p. 406). Though a few strains of this virus have been isolated elsewhere in Britain during 1973-4, it was not until July 1974 that it was first detected in Scotland. The patient, a male anaesthetist aged 52 years, first developed photophobia and "gritty" discomfort of the right eye and five to six days later the left eye became affected. Ophthalmological examination confirmed the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis with deep scleral inflammation. A conjunctival swab was submitted for virological examination and meanwhile treatment with chloramphenicol was instituted, with no effect. Though the episode lasted one month, the patient continued his normal duties throughout. An adenovirus, subsequently identified as type 19, was isolated in human amnion cell cultures. This appeared to be an isolated incident. There was no relevant history of recent travel abroad or contact with a similar case. However, this does raise the question whether anaesthetists may be at special risk from their proximity to the face and oronasal secretions of their patients.-We are, etc.,