gonorrheal conjunctivitis

gonorrheal conjunctivitis,

a severe, destructive form of purulent conjunctivitis caused by the gonococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Prompt treatment by the IV administration of antibiotics is required to prevent scarring of the cornea and blindness. Newborns receive routine prophylaxis of a topical ophthalmic instillation of 1% solution of silver nitrate or an antibiotic ophthalmic ointment. The treatment has largely eradicated the infection in infants. See also ophthalmia neonatorum.

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conjunctivitis [kon-junk″tĭ-vi´tis]

inflammation of the conjunctiva; it may be caused by bacteria or a virus, or by allergic, chemical, or physical factors. Its infectious form (of bacterial or viral origin) is highly contagious. See also pinkeye.

acute contagious conjunctivitis a contagious inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by Haemophilus aegypticus; secretions must be handled with extreme care to prevent its spread. Popularly known as pinkeye.

acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis a highly contagious form due to infection with enteroviruses.

gonococcal conjunctivitis (gonorrheal conjunctivitis) a severe form caused by infection with gonococci, marked by greatly swollen conjunctivae and eyelids with a profuse purulent discharge. In newborns it is bilateral, acquired from an infected maternal vaginal passage. In adults it is usually unilateral and is acquired by autoinoculation into the eye of other gonococcal infections, such as urethritis, either in oneself or in another person. Called also gonorrheal ophthalmia.

inclusion conjunctivitis a type of conjunctivitis primarily affecting newborn infants, caused by a strain of Chlamydia trachomatis, beginning as an acute purulent form and leading to papillary hypertrophy of the palpebral conjunctiva.

neonatal conjunctivitis ophthalmia neonatorum.