Abstract

The prescript requiring application of silver nitrate eye drops (0.66% AgNO3) to the conjunctivae of the newborn within two hours after delivery was revoked in March 1985. The present study comprises a prospective investigation of the occurrence of microorganisms in specimens of eye secretion from neonates received during the period February-April 1986, and a review of findings of Neisseria species and B. catarrhalis in 3,485 specimens of ocular secretions and of C. trachomatis in 1,240 conjunctival scrapes received at the Neisseria Department 1986-1988. The numbers of cases of conjunctivitis neonatalis caused by the following microorganisms were: N. gonorrhoeae 8, N. cinerea 6, other Neisseria species 8, B. catarrhalis 49 and C. trachomatis 92. During the period 1984-1988, the total number of neonates with gonococcal conjunctivitis neonatalis was 18. The gonococcal infection was diagnosed within the first week of life in 50% of the cases but could occur as late as in the fourth week of life. Similarly, infection with B. catarrhalis was most common in neonates less than one week old (49%), whereas chlamydial infection was most common in the second week of life (39%). It is concluded that the eyes of neonates should be carefully observed for at least four weeks and that microbiological examinations for gonococci and chlamydia are indicated if signs of infection appear.