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Acute purulent conjunctivitis in Nigerian children in Zaria
Insights
Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequent cause of bacterial conjunctivitis in Nigerian children over one month old. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was the leading cause in neonates, responding well to penicillin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute purulent conjunctivitis is a common childhood infection.
- Identifying the etiologic agents is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the common causes of acute purulent conjunctivitis in children up to 10 years of age.
- To analyze the age-specific distribution and clinical features of different bacterial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 61 children with acute purulent conjunctivitis.
- Conducted at Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria (October 1975 - September 1976).
Main Results:
- Haemophilus influenzae (26.2%) was the most common agent in children over one month.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae (43.8%) was the leading cause in neonates.
- Haemophilus influenzae conjunctivitis showed male predilection and was often bilateral; gonococcal conjunctivitis was mostly unilateral in neonates.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pathogens vary in prevalence based on age in pediatric conjunctivitis.
- Prompt diagnosis and age-appropriate treatment, especially for gonococcal infections, are essential.
Abstract:
A prospective study of 61 acute purulent conjunctivitis seen in children up to 10 years of age at the Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria, between October 1975 and September 1976 showed H influenzae as the most common etiologic agent (26.2%), followed by S aureus (16.4%), N gonorrhoeae (14.8), and D pneumoniae (9.8%). N gonorrhoeae was the most common cause of conjunctivitis in the first month of life (43.8%) followed by S aureus (37.5%). Conjunctivitis from H influenzae occurred in older children, was more often bilateral, and had a male predilection. Gonococcal conjunctivitis occurred mostly in neonates and was largely unilateral. A good response to treatment with parenteral penicillin and topical Neosporin or chloramphenicol was noted in all the cases of gonococcal infection.