Ophthalmia neonatorum in Nairobi, Kenya: the roles of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Among 149 consecutive infants with ophthalmia neonatorum in Nairobi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae was recovered from 43%, Chlamydia trachomatis from 13%, and both microorganisms from 4%. Three of five isolates of C. trachomatis belonged to trachoma serovars. The sensitivity and specificity of a gram-stained smear for the diagnosis of gonococcal conjunctivitis were 86% and 90%, respectively. Patients with gonococcal conjunctivitis had more purulent discharge, a higher clinical severity score, and a younger age at onset of disease. Corneal epithelial edema with superficial keratitis was present in four (16%) of 25 patients with gonococcal conjunctivitis but in none of 22 other patients (P = .07). N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis was isolated from the pharynx in 11 (15%) and six (23%) cases, respectively. Oropharyngeal gonococcal infection was associated with coughing (P = .007).
D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003235:Conjunctivitis, Inclusion / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D004487:Edema / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007630:Kenya; D007634:Keratitis / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009878:Ophthalmia Neonatorum / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors