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Chlamydial conjunctivitis presenting as pre septal cellulitis
Suzannah R Drummond1, Charles J M Diaper
1Department of Ophthalmology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. drummond@jordanhillglasgow.wanadoo.co.uk
Head & Face Medicine
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis can cause preseptal cellulitis, a rare complication of conjunctivitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with Azithromycin resolved the condition and highlighted the need for STI screening.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection in Europe.
- Chlamydial conjunctivitis typically affects the conjunctiva and cornea.
- Preseptal cellulitis as a manifestation of chlamydial conjunctivitis is previously undocumented.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old girl initially diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis presented with severe eyelid edema and erythema.
- Follicles and papillae were observed on the tarsal conjunctiva, with discomfort during eye elevation.
- Initial treatment for presumed bacterial preseptal cellulitis was ineffective.
Findings:
- Chlamydia trachomatis infection was confirmed after negative initial bacteriology and virology.
- The patient's symptoms resolved completely following Azithromycin treatment.
- This case highlights a previously undocumented presentation of chlamydia conjunctivitis as preseptal cellulitis.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of chlamydia conjunctivitis presenting as preseptal cellulitis is essential.
- Positive Chlamydia trachomatis diagnosis necessitates patient counseling on potential genital infection.
- Partner notification and genitourinary clinic referral are critical to prevent further STI spread.
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