Neisseria meningitidis conjunctivitis in children

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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Visualisation and Quantification of Intracellular Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis and Human α-actinin by Confocal Imaging
12:58

Visualisation and Quantification of Intracellular Interactions of Neisseria meningitidis and Human α-actinin by Confocal Imaging

Published on: October 25, 2010

F Al-Mutlaq, K A Byrne-Rhodes, K F Tabbara

    American Journal of Ophthalmology
    |September 15, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Purulent conjunctivitis in two siblings was caused by Neisseria meningitidis Group B. Early diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications from this bacterial eye infection.

    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Purulent conjunctivitis can have various etiologies.
    • Neisseria species are known pathogens that can cause serious infections.

    Observation:

    • Two siblings presented with purulent conjunctivitis.
    • Gram stain revealed gram-negative intracellular diplococci in conjunctival scrapings.

    Findings:

    • Isolates were identified as Neisseria meningitidis Group B based on morphology, growth, fermentation, and serotyping.
    • Patients showed no neurological symptoms and had normal blood work.

    Implications:

    • Early diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis conjunctivitis is critical.
    • Prompt systemic antibiotic therapy is essential to prevent ocular, neurological, and systemic sequelae.

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