Ophthalmia neonatorum in Northern Norway

Abstract

In a population of 1928 neonates in Northern Norway, ophthalmia neonatorum was diagnosed in 18.9%, including mild and self-limiting cases. Sixteen out of 269 (6.0%) cultured cases were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. No gonococcal ophthalmia was seen. In neonates whose symptoms began in the maternity wards, the distribution of the isolated microorganisms (mainly Staphylococcus aureus) was different from those in whom symptoms began after discharge (mainly S. aureus, Staphylococcus species (coagulase-negative), Streptococcus viridans and C. trachomatis). Growth of C. trachomatis was significantly associated with the intensity of conjunctivitis (P less than 0.001). However, no sequelae could be demonstrated in the eyes at the age of 6 months. 60% of the neonates with chlamydial ophthalmia also suffered from rhinitis. 31.4% of the neonates received silver nitrate instillation, which had no significant influence on the frequency of chlamydial ophthalmia. General practitioners are often faced with chlamydial ophthalmia. In cases of ophthalmia neonatorum, a microbiological examination is recommended, as a guide to appropriate antibiotic treatment. The result of microbiological examination may also indicate other infections in mother and child. In areas with a readily available health service, including an adequate microbiological laboratory service, prophylaxis in the eyes does not seem to be necessary.

A study of Ophthalmia Neonatorum in the Central Reion of Ghana: Causative Agents and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns

“…The male predominance (60.5% vs 39.5%) was consistent with studies from Iran (62% vs 38%), Norway (75% male neonates) and Saudi Arabia (63% males). 14,21 Sex did not influence the development of ON, which is in agreement with other similar studies. 11,14 There was a relationship between conjunctivitis and neonatal body weight (Table 2).…”

A chronological study of the bacterial pathogen changes in acute neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis in southern China

“…Prior research has suggested that Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were the main pathogens of bacterial conjunctivitis, with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans identified as the most common pathogens in neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis [ 1 , 2 , 12 ]. According to our research, the pattern of bacterial pathogens in neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis in Southern China has changed during the past 15 years.…”

Performing red reflex eye examinations increases the rate of neonatal conjunctivitis

“…The infection can be acquired during the passage through the birth canal in vaginal deliveries or from a nosocomial cause due to inappropriate hygiene in the nursery . The aetiology of neonatal conjunctivitis differs between developed countries such as Canada, Israel and the USA and developing countries such as India, Iran and Pakistan . These disparities arise from differences in sanitary conditions in maternity and neonatal wards, environmental conditions, the availability of pregestational and gestational screening, medical prevention, treatment for common sexually transmitted diseases and appropriate medical monitoring and treatment close to delivery .…”