CHLAMYDIAL OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM - RAPID DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY

Background: ln up to 73% of ophthalmia neonatorum, Chlamydia trachomat is is the causative agents. Untreated sequelae to the eyes and organs may be the result. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteria l spectrum of ophthalmia neonatorum with special regard to chlamydia a nd their diagnostic tests. Materials and methods: We compared the resu lts of 15 newborn with ophthalmia neonatorum. For the diagnosis we use d a rapid diagnostic test, Immunofluorescent Antibody Staining and Cul ture on McCoy cells. Bacteria that were cultured on culture media were also identified. Results:ln 66% the newborn showed a positive rapid d iagnostic test result that was confirmed by Immunofluorescent Antibody Staining. In 5 patients all tests were negative. Conclusions:ln this study C. trachomatis was the most frequent pathogen. In the culture me dia we isolated mostly gram-positive cocci but not Neisseria gonorrhoe ae. We point out the value of an exact rapid diagnosis and specific tr eatment to avoid sequelae to the eye and organs.