[Ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Rapid diagnosis and therapy].
BACKGROUND
In up to 73% of ophthalmia neonatorum, Chlamydia trachomatis is the causative agents. Untreated sequelae to the eyes and organs may be the result. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial spectrum of ophthalmia neonatorum with special regard to chlamydia and their diagnostic tests.


METHODS
We compared the results of 15 newborn with ophthalmia neonatorum. For the diagnosis we used a rapid diagnostic test, Immunofluorescent Antibody Staining and Culture on McCoy cells. Bacteria that were cultured on culture media were also identified.


RESULTS
In 66% the newborn showed a positive rapid diagnostic test result that was confirmed by Immunofluorescent Antibody Staining. In 5 patients all tests were negative.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study C. trachomatis was the most frequent pathogen. In the culture media we isolated mostly gram-positive cocci but not Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We point out the value of an exact rapid diagnosis and specific treatment to avoid sequelae to the eye and organs.
Schaller
U
U
Augenklinik, Universität München.
Miño de Kaspar
H
H
Schriever
S
S
Klauss
V
V
D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000187:drug effects; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009878:Ophthalmia Neonatorum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004917:Erythromycin