Bacterial conjunctivitis

Contents

What is it conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva The conjunctiva is the semitransparent membrane that covers the white of the eye (the sclerotic) and delimits the inside of the eyelids.

When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the white of the eye appears red. Conjunctivitis is the most likely diagnosis when a patient has red eyes and download.

Conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infection It is highly contagious.

What Causes Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is transmitted by direct contact with secretions from an infected individual or by contact with contaminated surfaces. It can also be secondary to viral conjunctivitis.

The most common organisms The causes of bacterial conjunctivitis are:

Staphylococcus aureus
steotococci pneumonia
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis.

Other notable bacterial causes of pink eye include hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis and chlamydial infections.

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis is usually due to Neisseria species, especially gonococcus (the cause of gonorrhea). Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis is serious and can threaten sight, requiring immediate referral to a ophthalmologist.

Chlamydial infections

C. trachomatis is the most common cause of chronic follicular conjunctivitis (that is, follicular conjunctivitis that lasts more than 16 to 28 days) Cause 3 clinical syndromes:

Trachoma
Inclusion conjunctivitis in adults
Neonatal conjunctivitis.

Trachoma

Trachoma is due to C. trachomatis, serotypes A, B, Ba and C. Conjunctivitis is the main clinical manifestation of active trachoma. It is also known as "granular conjunctivitis" and can cause blindness and other complications.

Inclusion conjunctivitis

Inclusion conjunctivitis is due to C. trachomatis, serotypes D - K. In adults, it is a sexually transmitted infection by hand-to-eye contact. In neonates, develops 5-14 days after birth and is transmitted from an infected untreated mother.

What are the symptoms and signs of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is a diagnosis of exclusion. All forms of conjunctivitis are characterized by:

Redness and discharge in one or both eyes.
Diffuse redness around the globe, including the lower part of the upper and lower eyelids
Accession of the upper and lower eyelids upon waking
Normal vision
Absence of focal pathology (eg, stye or blepharitis).

The following 'red flags' point to other more serious diagnoses, such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), iritis or angle closure glaucoma:

Changes in visual acuity.
Ciliary flush - an injection pattern in which the redness is most pronounced in a ring at the limbus (the edge of the cornea and sclera)
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Severe foreign body sensation that prevents the patient from keeping the eye open
Corneal opacity
Fixed student
Severe headache with nausea.

Indicators of a bacterial cause of conjunctivitis include:

Unilateral intervention
More prominent participation in the margins of the eyelid and in the corners of the eye.
Thick yellow, white or green purulent discharge that continues throughout the day.

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis is also associated with:

Concurrent urethritis
Rapid progression of symptoms: swelling of the eyelid, marked chemosis (gelatinous swelling of the conjunctiva)
Preauricular tender lymph nodes.

Trachoma is characterized by pain follicles in the lower part of the upper eyelid, which break down to cause bites of the cornea and possible blindness.

Inclusion conjunctivitis in adults is associated with:

Concurrent asymptomatic urogenital infection
Persistent follicular conjunctivitis, which does not respond to current antibiotics
Keratitis

What are the complications of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Most forms of conjunctivitis are self-limited, but in certain cases, serious complications can occur. Pain, vision loss, or photophobia require immediate referral to an ophthalmologist.

Complications of bacterial conjunctivitis include:

Keratitis
Chronic redness, discharge, and irritation.
Blindness.

Conjunctivitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal disease) may precede meningitis.

How is bacterial conjunctivitis treated?

Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis resolve spontaneously in 5 to 14 days. Antibiotics may shorten the course if given before day 6. Chloramphenicol 0.5% or Framycetin 0.5% eye drops can be used. Complete the course, then throw away the used bottle. Warning: chloramphenicol and framycetin can cause severe contact allergy dermatitis.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia require systemic antibiotic treatment Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis requires hospitalization for systemic and topical therapy. Keratitis and drilling it can happen.

Topical or systemic glucocorticoids sometimes they are used under specialized advice. Warning: glucocorticoids can cause vision-threatening complications, such as corneal scarring and perforation, waterfalls and glaucoma, when used inappropriately.

Patients should be educated on hygiene measures to reduce the spread of infection.

Wash hands frequently.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Wash the discharge around the eyes with a fresh cotton ball or tissue.
Dispose of used makeup, contact lenses solution and used disposable contact lenses.
Wash bedding and towels in hot water and detergent.
Avoid sharing cosmetics, bedding, towels, and clothing.
Avoid swimming in a public pool.