Neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum) can lead to blindness when caused by N. gonorrhoeae. The most important sexually transmitted pathogens which cause ophthalmia neonatorum are N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. In developing countries, N. gonorrhoeae accounts for 20-75% and C. trachomatis for 15-35% of cases brought to medical attention. Other common causes are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Newborn babies are generally presented because of redness and swelling of the eyelids or "sticky eyes", or because of discharge from the eye(s).

As the clinical manifestations and possible complications of gonococcal and chlamydial infections are similar, in settings where it is impossible to differentiate the two infections, treatment should be provided to cover both infections. This would include single dose therapy for gonorrhoea and multiple dose therapy for chlamydia.

AT A GLANCE

Neonatal conjunctivitis

For details, see section 3.1 and 3.2.

FIGURE 10. NEONATAL CONJUNCTIVITIS