Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes D–K (oculogenital type) differs from trachoma (serotypes A–C) in that:

• A Trachoma is an acute self-limiting disease while inclusion conjunctivitis causes blindness
• B Inclusion conjunctivitis exclusively affects neonates and is caused by Type D Chlamydia
• C Both cause identical clinical pictures and are distinguished only by serology
• D Inclusion conjunctivitis predominantly affects adults via genital-to-eye transmission, causes acute follicular conjunctivitis without corneal pannus or cicatricial changes, and is treated with systemic azithromycin or doxycycline ✓

Explanation

Oculogenital chlamydial conjunctivitis (inclusion conjunctivitis, serotypes D–K) affects sexually active adults following autoinoculation from genital secretions. It produces acute mucopurulent follicular conjunctivitis without the progressive corneal scarring, pannus, or trichiasis seen in trachoma (serotypes A–C, which cause the WHO Grade II–V scarring and blindness). Treatment of inclusion conjunctivitis requires systemic antibiotics (azithromycin 1 g single dose or doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 1 week) and partner treatment.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.