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Objective: The data on neonatal conjunctivitis are significantly limited in Türkiye. In this study, we aimed to investigate the epidemiology of neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis and the clinical and laboratory findings of patients in a tertiary neonatal referral hospital in İstanbul, Türkiye. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted over a five-year period between January 2015 and January 2020. Newborns 28 days of age who presented to our clinics with clinical features of conjunctivitis and had bacterial growth in the conjunctival culture were included. Results: Thirty-two newborns with culture-proven bacterial conjunctivitis were included. A total of 26 (81.3%) newborns required newborn intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Gram-positive bacteria growth was detected in 47% (n=15) of cases, and gram-negative growth was detected in 53% (n=17) of cases. Escherichia coli (n=12), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=10) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=3) were the most frequently identified bacteria. The proportions of newborns with need for intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment, bilateral eye involvement, and normal spontaneous delivery were significantly higher in the gram-negative conjunctivitis group. Conclusion: Our study provides important data regarding bacterial conjunctivitis in newborns in Türkiye, given that data in Türkiye are very limited. The high rates of NICUs admission, presence of clinical sepsis, and IV antibiotic administration show the importance of neonatal conjunctivitis as a clinical finding of systemic neonatal infections. Despite the lack of universal ocular prophylaxis in our high-volume neonatal referral center, the low number of culture-proven conjunctivitis cases challenges the current routine ocular prophylaxis suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the clinical and histopathological features of ocular abnormalities noted in a litter of black‐footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), including corneal opacification, cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, microphthalmia, symblepharon and anterior segment malformation. Animals Studied: A litter of eight black‐footed ferrets examined at 10 weeks old with a history of ophthalmia neonatorum first noted at 7 days old and histopathological examination of three globes from three ferrets of the same litter between 5 and 7 months old following routine subconjunctival enucleation. Procedures: Due to the fractious nature of black‐footed ferrets, slit‐lamp biomicroscopic examination was performed under general isoflurane anesthesia at 10 weeks of age. Corneal opacification was noted in 9/16 eyes, cataracts in 4/16 eyes, and persistent pupillary membranes in 3/16 eyes, among other findings. Histopathology revealed persistent pupillary membranes and Descemet's membrane abnormalities consistent with congenital anterior segment malformation in all three globes. In one ferret, a posterior cortical cataract with posterior lenticular malformation and lens capsule discontinuity was noted. Purulent discharge was cultured at time of enucleation in one ferret with growth of E. coli. Conclusions: A novel constellation of ocular malformations with primary congenital and secondary to ophthalmia neonatorum etiologies is described in black‐footed ferrets. Due to endangered status of black‐footed ferrets, small genetic pool and the requirement for adequate vision for wild‐release, congenital ocular abnormalities such as anterior segment malformation and likely the cataracts described are of particular concern. Further investigation and monitoring are warranted to determine the heritability of these ocular abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital cellulitis is an extremely rare but potentially lethal condition in neonates. The clinical presentation of neonatal orbital cellulitis can be non-specific, and minimal signs of periorbital inflammation may go unrecognised by inexperienced parents or primary care medical personnel, leading to delayed treatment. Herein, we present a case series describing ophthalmia neonatorum complicated with neonatal orbital cellulitis owing to delayed treatment. The clinical presentation, management and outcomes are described. One neonate had orbital cellulitis, while the other had impending orbital cellulitis, with both cases resulting from delayed treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum. Both neonates were hospitalised for systemic antibiotic treatment and fully recovered with good outcomes. Timely identification and treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum are critical to mitigate potential severe sequelae, such as neonatal orbital cellulitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no worldwide agreement on the real need to administer conjunctival antibiotics to neonates at birth to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (usually defined as ophthalmia neonatorum) by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Therefore, there is wide variability in antibiotic administration, conditioned mainly by the social and health context. In Italy, a law enacted in 1940 required doctors and midwives to administer ophthalmic prophylaxis with 2% silver nitrate to all newborns at birth. This law was repealed in 1975 and since then there has been no clear guidance on the use of ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis at birth. Since neonatal conjunctivitis caused by C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae is not reported, we carried out a nationwide survey of 1,041,384 neonates across all Italian birth centers to evaluate the incidence of ophthalmia neonatorum and the current practice of prophylaxis. After analyzing the results, we formulated an intersociety position statement on the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum to update and standardize this prevention strategy in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ophthalmia neonatorum is an acute conjunctivitis that occurs in newborns within the first month of life. The most serious infections are due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that may cause permanent damages. The use of ophthalmic prophylaxis varies widely around the world, according to the different health and socio-economic contexts. To date in Italy there is no a clear legislation regarding ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis at birth. Methods We invited all birth centers in Italy to carry out a retrospective survey relating the last three years. We collected data regarding demographics of neonates, drugs used for ophthalmic prophylaxis and results of the screening of pregnant women for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaginal infections. Results Among 419 birth centers, 302 (72,1%) responded to the survey. Overall 1041384 neonates, 82,3% of those born in the three years considered, received ophthalmic prophylaxis. Only 4,585 (0,4%) of them received one of the drugs recommended by the WHO. The Centers that participated to the survey reported 12 episodes of Chlamydial conjunctivitis and no Gonococcal infection in the three years. Only 38% of the Centers performed vaginal swabs to pregnant women: 2,6% screened only for Neisseria, 9,6% only for Chlamydia and 25,8% for both germs. Conclusions The data obtained from the survey showed a low incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis due to either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis in Italy. Due to the lack of legislation regulating the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns, the Italian Society of Neonatology, the Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine have recently issued new recommendations on this topic.

Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) is a form of conjunctivitis occurring within the 1st month of life, primarily attributable to bacterial pathogens. The predominant etiological agents include Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Viral pathogens such as herpes simplex, adenovirus, and enterovirus may also incite ON. Hospital-acquired conjunctivitis (HAC) rarely affects healthy infants who have received prophylactic treatment against ON. Herein, we report a case of ON in a healthy female newborn female caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Following the infant’s and her parents’ treatment, the patient’s condition improved, leading to discharge. Strict adherence to infection control protocols, including meticulous hand hygiene practices, is crucial for attenuating this issue and averting the serious complications associated with HAC.

Background: Ophthalmia neonatorum is an acute conjunctivitis that occurs in newborns within the first month of life. The most serious infections are due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that may cause permanent damages. The use of ophthalmic prophylaxis varies widely around the world, according to the different health and socio-economic contexts. To date in Italy there is no a clear legislation regarding ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis at birth. Methods: We invited all birth centers in Italy to carry out a retrospective survey relating the last three years. We collected data regarding demographics of neonates, drugs used for ophthalmic prophylaxis and results of the screening of pregnant women for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaginal infections. Results: Among 419 birth centers, 302 (72,1%) responded to the survey. Overall 1041384 neonates, 82,3% of those born in the three years considered, received ophthalmic prophylaxis. Only 4,585 (0,4%) of them received one of the drugs recommended by the WHO. The Centers that participated to the survey reported 12 episodes of Chlamydial conjunctivitis and no Gonococcal infection in the three years. Only 38% of the Centers performed vaginal swabs to pregnant women: 2,6% screened only for Neisseria, 9,6% only for Chlamydia and 25,8% for both germs. Conclusions: The data obtained from the survey showed a low incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis due to either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis in Italy. Due to the lack of legislation regulating the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns, the Italian Society of Neonatology, the Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine have recently issued new recommendations on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no worldwide agreement on the real need to administer conjunctival antibiotics to neonates at birth to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (usually defined as ophthalmia neonatorum) by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Therefore, there is wide variability in antibiotic administration, conditioned mainly by the social and health context. In Italy, a law enacted in 1940 required doctors and midwives to administer ophthalmic prophylaxis with 2% silver nitrate to all newborns at birth. This law was repealed in 1975 and since then there has been no clear guidance on the use of ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis at birth. Since neonatal conjunctivitis caused by C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae is not reported, we carried out a nationwide survey of 1,041,384 neonates across all Italian birth centers to evaluate the incidence of ophthalmia neonatorum and the current practice of prophylaxis. After analyzing the results, we formulated an intersociety position statement on the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum to update and standardize this prevention strategy in Italy.

ImportanceIn the United States, the rate of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum was an estimated 0.4 cases per 100 000 live births per year from 2013 to 2017. Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum can cause corneal scarring, ocular perforation, and blindness as early as 24 hours after birth. In the absence of ocular prophylaxis, transmission rates of gonococcal infection from mother to newborn are 30% to 50%.ObjectiveTo reaffirm the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2011 recommendation on ocular prophylaxis for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.Evidence reviewThe USPSTF commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update to identify new and substantial evidence sufficient enough to change its prior recommendation.FindingsUsing a reaffirmation process, the USPSTF found no new data that would change its previous conclusion that topical ocular prophylaxis is effective in preventing gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum and related ocular conditions. The USPSTF found no new data that would change its previous conclusion that there is convincing evidence that topical ocular prophylaxis of all newborns is not associated with serious harms. Therefore, the USPSTF reaffirms its previous conclusion that there is convincing evidence that topical ocular prophylaxis for all newborns provides substantial benefit.Conclusions and recommendationThe USPSTF recommends prophylactic ocular topical medication for all newborns to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. (A recommendation).

Importance:In the United States, the rate of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum was an estimated 0.4 cases per 100 000 live births per year from 2013 to 2017. Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum can cause corneal scarring, ocular perforation, and blindness as early as 24 hours after birth. In the absence of ocular prophylaxis, transmission rates of gonococcal infection from mother to newborn are 30% to 50%. Objective:To reaffirm the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2011 recommendation on ocular prophylaxis for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. Evidence Review:The USPSTF commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update to identify new and substantial evidence sufficient enough to change its prior recommendation. Findings:Using a reaffirmation process, the USPSTF found no new data that would change its previous conclusion that topical ocular prophylaxis is effective in preventing gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum and related ocular conditions. The USPSTF found no new data that would change its previous conclusion that there is convincing evidence that topical ocular prophylaxis of all newborns is not associated with serious harms. Therefore, the USPSTF reaffirms its previous conclusion that there is convincing evidence that topical ocular prophylaxis for all newborns provides substantial benefit. Conclusions and Recommendation:The USPSTF recommends prophylactic ocular topical medication for all newborns to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. (A recommendation).

Abstract Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) refers to any conjunctivitis occurring in the first 28 days of life. In the past Neisseria gonorrhoeae was the most common cause of ON. It decreased with the introduction of prophylaxis at birth with the instillation of silver nitrate 2% (the Credè’s method of prophylaxis). Today, the term ON is used to define any other bacterial infection, in particular due to Chlamydia Trachomatis. Currently, the WHO reccomends topical ocular prophylaxis for prevention of gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis for all neonates. On the contrary, several European countries no longer require universal prophylaxis, opting for screening and treatment of pregnant women at high risk of infection. And what about Italy? Have a look on Italian history of prophylaxis, starting by the first decree issued in 1940, signed by Benito Mussolini. In the following decades the law has undergone many changes. At the moment, legislation is unclear, therefore careful consideration is required in order to draft the correct appoach.

Since the introduction of universal gonococcal and chlamydia prophylaxis, other etiologies for neonatal conjunctivitis such as Escherichia coli have become more common. Early eye culturing as part of the management plan could provide swifter treatment and preservation of vision potential in affected neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the microbiological characteristics and risk factors of severe ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) in Southwest China. Methods: In this retrospective review, data on demography, microbiological results, and risk factors were analyzed. Data were obtained from medical records of patients with severe ON treated at Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019. To understand the risk factors for severe ON, maternal and neonatal factors were compared between the severe and non-severe ON groups. Results: A total of 1397 neonates with ON were included, of whom 12% (n = 172) had severe ON, and 88% (n = 1225) had non-severe ON. Microbial detection and drug susceptibility tests were performed on 169 patients with severe ON. Culture results were positive for 76 patients, with gram-positive bacteria in 71.1% (n = 54), gram-negative bacteria in 25.0% (n = 19), and multiple microorganisms in 3.9% (n = 3) neonates. The most commonly detected organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (29%) and Staph. epidermis (27%), followed by Escherichia coli (8%). Neisseria gonorrhea (8%), Moraxella catarrhal (5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (4%), Haemophilus influenza (4%), and Chlamydia trachomatis (1%). The main risk factors for severe ON were obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (χ2 = 10.794, P = 0.001), meconium aspiration syndrome (χ2 = 6.252, P = 0.012), and cesarian section (χ2 = 5.118, P = 0.024). Neonatal ocular prophylaxis was a protective factor for severe conjunctivitis (χ2 = 6.905, P = 0.009). Conclusions: Staphylococcus is the most common pathogen of severe ON. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a risk factor for ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Since the introduction of universal gonococcal and chlamydia prophylaxis, other etiologies for neonatal conjunctivitis such as Escherichia coli have become more common. Early eye culturing as part of the management plan could provide swifter treatment and preservation of vision potential in affected neonates.

Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) refers to any conjunctivitis occurring in the first 28 days of life. In the past Neisseria gonorrhoeae was the most common cause of ON. It decreased with the introduction of prophylaxis at birth with the instillation of silver nitrate 2% (the Credè's method of prophylaxis). Today, the term ON is used to define any other bacterial infection, in particular due to Chlamydia Trachomatis. Currently, the WHO reccomends topical ocular prophylaxis for prevention of gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis for all neonates. On the contrary, several European countries no longer require universal prophylaxis, opting for screening and treatment of pregnant women at high risk of infection. And what about Italy? Have a look on Italian history of prophylaxis, starting by the first decree issued in 1940, signed by Benito Mussolini. In the following decades the law has undergone many changes. At the moment, legislation is unclear, therefore careful consideration is required in order to draft the correct appoach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conjunctivitis is a common infection among neonates and it is a known cause of preventable childhood blindness. There is geographical variation in the distribution of aetiological agents. Objective: To assess the prevalence of conjunctivitis among hospitalized neonates receiving care in a tertiary health care centre in South-west Nigeria, and describe its clinical and bacteriological correlates. Methods: The hospital records of neonates diagnosed with conjunctivitis at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed. Their bio-data, perinatal history, laboratory results and treatment received were extracted for analysis. Results: One hundred and twenty-two neonates had conjunctivitis out of a total number of 2,286 admissions, giving a prevalence rate of 5.3%. Male infants had almost double the risk of developing the disease compared to female infants (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.09-2.35). Eighty-six (70.5%) babies were term, while 21 (17.2%) and 15 (12.3%) were preterm and small-for-gestational-age respectively. Most cases of neonatal conjunctivitis (82.0%) occurred in the first week of life while the mean ±SD age of onset was 5.3±4.5 days. Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella species were the commonest bacterial isolates affecting 57.1% and 23.0% neonates respectively. Moderately-high rates of resistance to erythromycin and gentamicin were observed among the bacterial isolates. Conclusion: Neonatal conjunctivitis is commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella species in this setting. It is commoner among male infants. Most cases run a mild course with good response to topical antimicrobial therapy.

CONTEXT: Emergence of coagulase-negative staphylococci as pathogens in ophthalmia neonatorum. AIMS: To analyze the bacteriological spectrum of ophthalmia neonatorum and its associated risk factors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective analysis in a tertiary care hospital in India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in a tertiary care center in India on 139 neonates presenting with conjunctivitis over a period of 3 years. All the neonates presenting to the out-patient department, those admitted in the Neonatal Intensive care Unit and in-patient wards were included in our study. The neonates were clinically examined and followed-up by a single experienced ophthalmologist. Details including demographic data, age of the infant, type of delivery, investigations, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Frequency calculation using Microsoft Excel for windows 10. RESULTS: In the 92 samples with growth (66.2%), the most common organisms isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (35.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.3%), and Acinetobacter species (16.3%). Others were Staphylococcus aureus (14.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.7%), and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Ophthalmia neonatorum was significantly higher in preterm infants born out of lower-segment cesarean section and those requiring ventilatory support. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike gonococcus, which is implicated in ophthalmia neonatorum, our study shows varied microbiological spectrum and sensitivity patterns with coagulase-negative staphylococci as the key pathogen. The role of coagulase-negative staphylococci as a disease-causing pathogen becomes increasingly important with an imperative need for prudent use of common antibiotics in treating these pathogenic bacteria.

Health education is key in the prevention of Ophthalmia Neonatorum (ON). However, health education in relation to eye care in Ghana is very low. To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of mothers on Ophthalmia Neonatorum (eye infection in newborns), a descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, using a standardised interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data. Using a consecutive sampling technique, we enrolled 407 mothers to participate in the study. The overall KAPs of the study participants were assessed using the sum score of each outcome based on Bloom's cut-off point. Completed data was then analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 22.0 at the level of P <.05. Out of the 407 participants, 321 (78.9%) had not heard about Ophthalmia Neonatorum with nearly 93% having low levels of knowledge on the neonatal infection. We found a significant association between formal education (P =.001), skilled occupation (P =.008) and a high level of knowledge on Ophthalmia Neonatorum. The study highlights the need to find improved and alternative methods of educating mothers on Ophthalmia Neonatorum in the bid to reduce blindness attributed to the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a worldwide problem. Although global incidence is not known, incidents of 1-24% have been reported from various regions of the world especially those practicing home delivery without standard prophylaxis. This study was an in-vitro investigation on possible prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) like potassium aluminum sulfate (KAlSO4)2 and povidone iodine (C6H9I2NO) in comparison to tetracycline. A five by three (5x3) factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used in this study. Factor A was the five-test bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. while Factor B was the experimental variables or the substances to be tested such as alum, povidone iodine and tetracycline. Aluminum was diluted and subjected to purity test prior to bacteria assay. The zone of inhibition was measured using a caliper and results were recorded. Based on the in-vitro analysis, aluminum showed a positive response to the five tested bacteria as it yielded a comparative mean results of growth inhibition. Among the possible applications of the findings in the study could be the formulation of antiseptic eye drops with the use of alum or Povidone iodine to be used as prophylaxis to guard against neonatal conjunctivitis.

A retrospective 5-year province-wide evaluation of prenatal Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening in Alberta, Canada, was carried out to assess compliance with the provincial recommendations for universal prenatal screening as a prevention for neonatal ophthalmia. Screening generally improved across the province each year, 82.1% in 2018 and reaching 87.3% in 2022. Women in the age group under 25 years were the most likely to not have the recommended first-trimester screening and demonstrated the highest prevalence of GC and CT infections. The results of this investigation demonstrate that continued improvements are needed to achieve universal prenatal GC/CT screening in Alberta., (Copyright © 2023 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/La Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. All rights reserved.)

There is currently no worldwide agreement on the real need to administer conjunctival antibiotics to neonates at birth to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (usually defined as ophthalmia neonatorum) by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae . Therefore, there is wide variability in antibiotic administration, conditioned mainly by the social and health context. In Italy, a law enacted in 1940 required doctors and midwives to administer ophthalmic prophylaxis with 2% silver nitrate to all newborns at birth. This law was repealed in 1975 and since then there has been no clear guidance on the use of ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis at birth. Since neonatal conjunctivitis caused by C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae is not reported, we carried out a nationwide survey of 1,041,384 neonates across all Italian birth centers to evaluate the incidence of ophthalmia neonatorum and the current practice of prophylaxis. After analyzing the results, we formulated an intersociety position statement on the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum to update and standardize this prevention strategy in Italy.

• 78 million new infections annually; greatest impact on women and neonates in LMIC. • Current control measures are inadequate and challenged by antibiotic resistance. • Conserved candidate vaccine antigens and adjuvant strategies are being developed. • There is a need for human studies to investigate correlates of immunity. • A meningococcal outer membrane vesicle vaccine may protect against gonorrhea. There is a growing public health interest in controlling sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through vaccination due to increasing recognition of the global disease burden of STIs and the role of STIs in women's reproductive health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the health and well-being of neonates. Neisseria gonorrhoeae has historically challenged vaccine development through the expression of phase and antigenically variable surface molecules and its capacity to cause repeated infections without inducing protective immunity. An estimated 78 million new N. gonorrhoeae infections occur annually and the greatest disease burden is carried by low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Current control measures are clearly inadequate and threatened by the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance. The gonococcus now holds the status of "super-bug" as there is currently no single reliable monotherapy for empirical treatment of gonorrhea. The problem of antibiotic resistance has elevated treatment costs and necessitated the establishment of large surveillance programs to track the spread of resistant strains. Here we review the need for a gonorrhea vaccine with respect to global disease burden and related socioeconomic and treatment costs, with an emphasis on the impact of gonorrhea on women and newborns. We also highlight the challenge of estimating the impact of a gonorrhea vaccine due to the need for more data on the burden of gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease and related sequelae and of gonorrhea-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes and the problem of empirical diagnosis and treatment of STIs in LMIC. There is also a lack of clinical and basic science research in the area of gonococcal/chlamydia coinfection, which occurs in a high percentage of individuals with gonorrhea and should be considered when testing the efficacy of gonorrhea vaccines. Finally, we review recent research that suggests a gonorrhea vaccine is feasible and discuss challenges and research gaps in gonorrhea vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: Emergence of coagulase-negative staphylococci as pathogens in ophthalmia neonatorum. AIMS: To analyze the bacteriological spectrum of ophthalmia neonatorum and its associated risk factors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective analysis in a tertiary care hospital in India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in a tertiary care center in India on 139 neonates presenting with conjunctivitis over a period of 3 years. All the neonates presenting to the out-patient department, those admitted in the Neonatal Intensive care Unit and in-patient wards were included in our study. The neonates were clinically examined and followed-up by a single experienced ophthalmologist. Details including demographic data, age of the infant, type of delivery, investigations, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Frequency calculation using Microsoft Excel for windows 10. RESULTS: In the 92 samples with growth (66.2%), the most common organisms isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (35.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.3%), and Acinetobacter species (16.3%). Others were Staphylococcus aureus (14.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.7%), and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Ophthalmia neonatorum was significantly higher in preterm infants born out of lower-segment cesarean section and those requiring ventilatory support. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike gonococcus, which is implicated in ophthalmia neonatorum, our study shows varied microbiological spectrum and sensitivity patterns with coagulase-negative staphylococci as the key pathogen. The role of coagulase-negative staphylococci as a disease-causing pathogen becomes increasingly important with an imperative need for prudent use of common antibiotics in treating these pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial species Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are amongst the main microorganisms that cause ophthalmia neonatorum. The current treatment involves the use of various antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, cephalosporin, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. However, this treatment strategy is becoming more ineffective due to the antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae. The current study explores the potential use of fatty acid based microemulsions (ME) to prevent N. gonorrhoeae and S. aureus infections in new-borns' eyes without harmful side effects such as corneal or conjunctiva irritation. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to evaluate microemulsion regions and six different α-linolenic acid based microemulsions were prepared. The prepared formulations were characterized for α-linolenic acid content, size, transparency, zeta potential, Polarized light Microscopy, antimicrobial activity and ex vivo ocular toxicity. The mean droplet size of the ME formulations was in the range of 190.4 to 350.5 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) values were in the range of 0.102 to 0.561. All formulations were found stable upon storage for at least 8 weeks. In addition, self-diffusion coefficients determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) reflected that the diffusability of water increased at higher than 30% w/w water, while that of fatty acids and surfactants was in reverse. The antimicrobial efficacy of microemulsions was determined against N. gonorrhoeae and S. aureus. It was concluded that all microemulsions have strong antimicrobial effects against N. gonorrhoeae and S. aureus. Finally, bovine corneal opacity permeability (BCOP) and hen's egg chorioallantoic (HET-CAM) tests results showed that all microemulsion formulations were not strong ocular irritants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraocular infection is a frequently encountered problem in children including neonates and infants. Prompt recognition of the extraocular disease and management at first contact reduces the ocular morbidity and visual impairment. Delay in administering appropriate therapy and referral to an eye care personnel may result in blindness; sometimes bilateral, due to severe ophthalmia neonatorum. This review is mainly aimed at offering basic, brief information about common extraocular infections prevalent among infants and children living in developing countries as a ready reference to practising pediatricians and neonatologists. Through this review, the pediatricians, as the first contact may feel confident and comfortable in managing ocular infection in pediatric population particularly living in remote rural and tribal region. Literature search was made by retrieving related publications through peer reviewed journals, PUBMED and Cochrane meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neisseria gonorrhoeae es una causa importante de oftalmía neonatal, pudiendo causar múltiples complicaciones en el recién nacido, incluyendo perforación corneal, panoftalmitis y ceguera. Se presenta caso de recién nacido de 1 mes de vida, con conjuntivitis infecciosa bilateral y compromiso corneal unilateral, además de cultivo positivo para gonococo. TAC mostró compromiso inflamatorio intraocular del ojo izquierdo. Se manejó con terapia antibiótica endovenosa, evolucionando con opacificación, vascularización, adelgazamiento progresivo de la córnea y atalamia del ojo izquierdo. Se sometió a cirugía para parche corneal y reformación de cámara anterior. Durante seguimiento, ecografía ocular mostró un examen normal del ojo derecho y una menor longitud axial y engrosamiento coroideo del ojo izquierdo.

Background: One of the most common infections in neonatal period is ophthalmia neo-natorum. In this study, the bacterial agents, drug resistance and susceptibility of bacteri-al agents were studied.Methods: In this study a total of 72 newborns with ophthalmia neonatorum admitted in Bahrami Hospital in Tehran during the years 2008-2011 were continuously enrolled in a case series, descriptive study. Demographic data, including age, sex, cause of admis-sion and culture of discharge from the eyes and its antibiogram, as well as experimental treatments and treatment outcomes were collected.Results: Forty four infants (61.1%) were males and 28 (38.9%) were females and the mean age on admission was 11.6±7.7 days. In 51 patients (70.8%) the onset of ophthal-mia neonatorum was prior to admission. More than 56% of cases with ophthalmia neonatorum were associated with sepsis. On the other hand, positive blood culture was detected in 15.3% of cases. Among 72 neonates with ophthalmia neonatorum, 26 (36.1%) had a positive culture of the eye discharge. The most common causes of bacterial agents were Staphylococcus aureus (46.1%) (12 of 26 cases). Other causes included streptococcus species (23%), Pseudomonas (15.3%), E-coli (11.5%) and Haemophilus influenza (3.8%). The most frequent causes of drug resistance were Ampicillin, Penici-llin, Cefixime, and Ceftazidime (100% resistance). The most sensiti-ve antibiotics were vancomycin and imipenem (100% sensitivity). Based on the conventional treatment, clinical response to local gentamicin was approximately 60%. Sulfacetamide was associated with no clinical response in 40% of cases.Conclusion: The antibiogram and clinical response to empiric treatment showed that resistance to ampicillin and some third generation of cephalosporine was 100%. Aminoglycosides’ sensitivity was more than 50% locally and systemically. Our recommendation is performing eye discharge culture before antibiotic treatment. More studies with numerous cases should be done for better definition of bacterial resistance.

We report a case of a 3-day-old boy with Neisseria cinerea conjunctivitis, originally misidentified as Neisseria gonorrhoeae conjunctivitis. Neonates are at increased risk for disseminated gonococcal infection, and physicians should be cognizant of N cinerea and its potential to be mistaken for N gonorrhoeae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]