Ophthalmia Neonatorum (ON) means inflammation of the conjunctiva of a newborn baby of less than 1 month of age. This is a potentially sight threatening condition. If the baby is older, the cause is unlikely to be an STI.
- The most common sexually transmitted pathogens which cause ON are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Other non-STI causes of neonatal conjuctivitis include: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus and Pseudomonas spp, viral, chemical and physical iritation.
- Common symptoms and signs of neonatal conjunctivitis are reddish conjunctiva, oedema/swelling of the eyelids and purulent eye discharge
Prevention and control measures include screening of pregnant women, early treatment of VDS in pregnant women and routine eye chemoprophylaxis in the newborn by providing 1% tetracycline eye ointment to all newborns. Always:Examine the neonate and exclude other congenital diseases.
Management and Treatment of Neontal conjuctivitis (see flow chart 12.8)