Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by which organism?

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by which organism?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• D. Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer: (B)

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This organism is a gram-negative diplococcus that is oxidase positive and grows on selective media. Clinically, infection tends to be a hyperacute, highly purulent conjunctivitis with marked eyelid swelling and a real risk of corneal involvement if not treated promptly. Neonates can acquire it during birth, and adults may become infected via autoinoculation from genital gonorrhea. While other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause conjunctivitis, they do not produce the same severe purulent discharge pattern and are not the gonococcal agent. A helpful lab clue is seeing gram-negative intracellular diplococci in the purulent discharge.

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This organism is a gram-negative diplococcus that is oxidase positive and grows on selective media. Clinically, infection tends to be a hyperacute, highly purulent conjunctivitis with marked eyelid swelling and a real risk of corneal involvement if not treated promptly. Neonates can acquire it during birth, and adults may become infected via autoinoculation from genital gonorrhea. While other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause conjunctivitis, they do not produce the same severe purulent discharge pattern and are not the gonococcal agent. A helpful lab clue is seeing gram-negative intracellular diplococci in the purulent discharge.