Conjunctival congestion suggests which etiologic agent in pharyngitis?

• A. Adenovirus
• B. Viral
• C. Bacterial
• D. Allergic

Answer: (A)

Conjunctival congestion with pharyngitis is a clue that points to adenoviral pharyngitis, specifically pharyngoconjunctival fever. Adenovirus commonly causes this combination of symptoms, with fever, sore throat, and red, injected conjunctiva often accompanied by tearing. It tends to occur in outbreaks and crowded settings, especially in children, and is reliably self-limited with supportive care.

A broad viral label is less informative because not all viral causes of pharyngitis produce eye involvement. Bacterial pharyngitis usually does not present with conjunctival congestion. Allergic etiologies cause itchy, watery eyes and nasal allergy symptoms rather than acute infectious conjunctivitis with pharyngitis.