[Neonatal conjunctivitis after the abolition of compulsory Credé prophylaxis].
The prescript requiring application of silver nitrate eye drops (0.66% AgNO3) to the conjunctivae of the newborn within two hours after delivery was revoked in March 1985. The present study comprises a prospective investigation of the occurrence of microorganisms in specimens of eye secretion from neonates received during the period February-April 1986, and a review of findings of Neisseria species and B. catarrhalis in 3,485 specimens of ocular secretions and of C. trachomatis in 1,240 conjunctival scrapes received at the Neisseria Department 1986-1988. The numbers of cases of conjunctivitis neonatalis caused by the following microorganisms were: N. gonorrhoeae 8, N. cinerea 6, other Neisseria species 8, B. catarrhalis 49 and C. trachomatis 92. During the period 1984-1988, the total number of neonates with gonococcal conjunctivitis neonatalis was 18. The gonococcal infection was diagnosed within the first week of life in 50% of the cases but could occur as late as in the fourth week of life. Similarly, infection with B. catarrhalis was most common in neonates less than one week old (49%), whereas chlamydial infection was most common in the second week of life (39%). It is concluded that the eyes of neonates should be carefully observed for at least four weeks and that microbiological examinations for gonococci and chlamydia are indicated if signs of infection appear.
Gadeberg
O V
OV
Statens Seruminstitut, neisseria-afdelingen, København.
Bollerup
A C
AC
Kolmos
H J
HJ
Larsen
S O
SO
Lind
I
I
D003234:Conjunctivitis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003235:Conjunctivitis, Inclusion / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000075202:Contraindications; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000008:administration & dosage
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012835:Silver Nitrate