Gonococcal conjunctivitis in newborns

Synonym(s) - Neonatal Gonococcal Conjunctivitis - Neonatal Purulent Ophthalmia - Ophthalmia neonatorum

Definition: This is considered a medical emergency because of its severity. There is a major accumulation of creamy pus coming out of the palpebral cleft and the EYES are swollen. This infection is prevented by instilling silver nitrate.

Additional information for professionals: Highly contagious infection due to Nesseiria Gonorrhoeae (the Gonococcus) of the conjunctiva in newborns, contaminated as they pass through the genital tract.

Hierarchical classification:

• Bacterial infections and mycoses
• Bacterial infections
• Bacterial infections of the eye
• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Gonococcal conjunctivitis in newborns