Which organism is the most common cause of ophthalmia neonatorum (neonatal conjunctivitis) requiring systemic treatment to prevent disseminated disease?

• A Staphylococcus aureus
• B Herpes simplex virus
• C Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• D Chlamydia trachomatis ✓

Explanation

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of ophthalmia neonatorum in neonates. It presents at 5-14 days with mucopurulent discharge and requires systemic erythromycin (not topical alone) because chlamydial infection can cause pneumonitis and otitis media. N. gonorrhoeae causes hyperpurulent conjunctivitis at 2-5 days and can perforate the cornea, but is less common in screened populations. HSV causes conjunctivitis but is less common and presents with vesicles.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.