What is Neonatal Conjunctivitis?
Neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is an eye infection that occurs within the first month of life. It is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. This condition can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious agents.What are the Causes?
The most common causes of neonatal conjunctivitis are infectious agents. These include bacteria, viruses, and sometimes fungi. The primary infectious agents are:Non-infectious causes can include chemical irritants such as silver nitrate, which was historically used in prophylaxis against gonococcal infection.
How is it Transmitted?
Neonatal conjunctivitis is often acquired during delivery as the newborn passes through the birth canal. If the mother has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, these pathogens can infect the newborn's eyes during birth.What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear within the first few weeks of life and may include: Redness of the eyes
Swelling of the eyelids
Discharge from the eyes, which may be watery or purulent
Irritability and fussiness in the infant
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests. Swabs from the conjunctiva can be sent for
culture and sensitivity testing to identify the causative organism. PCR testing is also commonly used for detecting viral and bacterial DNA.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause: Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections. For instance, erythromycin ointment is commonly used for chlamydial infections, while ceftriaxone is used for gonococcal infections.
Antiviral medications like acyclovir are used for infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Supportive care, including cleaning the eyes with sterile water or saline, can help alleviate symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention strategies include: Screening and treating pregnant women for STIs
Prophylactic antibiotic eye ointments such as erythromycin applied to newborns' eyes immediately after birth
Good hygiene practices during delivery
Complications
If left untreated, neonatal conjunctivitis can lead to serious complications such as: Corneal ulcers
Blindness
Systemic infections like sepsis or pneumonia, especially in cases caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Conclusion
Neonatal conjunctivitis is a significant concern in the field of infectious diseases. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications. Preventive measures, including maternal screening and prophylactic treatments, play a vital role in reducing the incidence of this condition.