Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis in the newborn

Infections of the conjunctiva are frequent in the neonatal period. While Ne isseria gonorrhoea and chemical agents were considered as the main etiologi es of ophtalmiae neonatorum in the past, Chlamydia trachomatis is today a m ajor cause of neonatal conjunctivitis. Thus in a study of 180 uni- or bilat eral neonatal conjunctivitis the authors found a prevalence of Chlamydia tr achomatis infection of 41 %. The importance of the etiological diagnosis of neonatal conjunctivitis is emphasized, in order to define a specific treat ment Etiological diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection is based upon immunofluorescence and molecular diagnosis techniques (PCR, LCR). Preventi on of neonatal Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis relies upon screening a nd treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in pregnant women and thei r partners. Treatment requires oral macrolides, the topical treatment being ineffective. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.