Diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of neonatal conjunctivitis: a mini review

Abstract

Background: Neonatal conjunctivitis is an infection of the neonatal conjunctiva that often occurs within the first month of life after delivery. The commonest cause of neonatal conjunctivitis is virus, others include chemicals and bacteria. The disease is often associated with some complications when not diagnosed and treated early. The aim of this review is to present an update in the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of neonatal conjunctivitis.

Methods: Literatures were reviewed using various search engines from internet until relevant information related to the diagnosis and the antimicrobial therapy of neonatal conjunctivitis were obtained and included in this review.

Results: The diagnosis of neonatal conjunctivitis is based on both clinical and laboratory findings. Clinical diagnosis is by noting the features of the disease and these include redness, pain, fever, swelling and discharge of the affected eye/eyes. The laboratory diagnosis is based on the findings from eye swab microscopy, culture and sensitivity, serological tests and nucleic acid amplification tests. The antimicrobial therapy is based on the identified cause . For examples erythromycin or povidone-iodine for chlamydia-associated conjunctivitis, ceftriaxone for gonococcal conjunctivitis, and aciclovir and virdarabine for viral (herpetic) conjunctivitis. It is important to diagnose and treat neonatal conjunctivitis early to prevent complications like visual impairment and subsequent blindness.

Conclusion: Neonatal Conjunctivitis whendiagnosed late or poorly treated can lead to blindness. This has social implications as it can affect the babies’ wellbeing.

Keywords: Neonatal, Conjunctivitis, Diagnosis, Antimicrobial, Therapy