Zeitschrift für klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie
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Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Suzanne Katrina V Palafox, Smitha Jasper, Tauber, Allyson D and Stephen Foster C

Ophthalmia neonatorum, inflammation of the conjunctiva with discharge manifesting within the first 28 days of life, is acquired by the neonate during passage through the infected birth canal. This condition also known as neonatal conjunctivitis can result in visually disabling complications. The spectrum of infectious pathogens which cause neonatal conjunctivitis differs in various parts of the world, depending upon the relative prevalence of prenatal maternal care and the use of prophylactic treatment to prevent infections in the pregnant mother and the newborn infant.

The common infectious causes of ophthalmia neonatorum include Chlamydia trachomatis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhea, other gram-negative bacteria, and Herpes Simplex virus. Data support a high index of suspicion based on history and clinical presentation, various diagnostic techniques and modes of antimicrobial therapy as all contributory to reducing the occurrence of neonatal conjunctivitis.