Gonococcal Conjunctivitis

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is an extremely severe acute purulent, highly contagious conjunctivitis threatening vision. Features are marked lid/conjunctival chemosis and profuse purulent discharge; without treatment, corneal ulceration/perforation occurs rapidly.

Common Symptoms

Bitot's spots; conjunctival petechiae; ophthalmia neonatorum; everted palpebral conjunctiva...; conjunctival congestion; papillary hyperplasia; conjunctival edema and corneal ulcer

Causes and Pathogenesis

Caused by Gram-negative Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Adult cases are autoinoculated from own/others' gonococcal urethritis or patient eye discharge; rare hematogenous (endogenous) cases are bilateral, benign, with fever. Neonatal cases acquire maternal gonorrheal vaginal secretions during birth. N. gonorrhoeae invades GU/conjunctival mucosa and extends to cornea; pili/capsule adhere to host cells resisting phagocytosis.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Contact transmission: educate urethritis patients; wash/disinfect hands after defecation; avoid public baths/swimming; treat urethritis. Isolate eye cases; sleep on the unaffected side; disinfect after exam; dispose of contaminated dressings; disinfect towels/basins. Neonatal prevention: prenatal care; treat pregnant gonorrhea; apply Credé method (clean lids, then 0.5-1% silver nitrate or 0.3% ofloxacin drops).

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Ophthalmology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.