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Severe persistent inclusion conjunctivitis in a young child
Insights
A genital Chlamydia trachomatis strain caused severe conjunctivitis and corneal scarring in a young child. This case highlights the potential for genital strains to cause severe trachoma, even in non-endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Inclusion conjunctivitis, typically mild and self-limiting, is usually caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Genital strains of Chlamydia trachomatis are common causes of sexually transmitted infections.
- Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, primarily caused by specific ocular strains of Chlamydia trachomatis.
Abstract:
A 14-month-old girl had inclusion conjunctivitis although there had been no signs or symptoms that required medical attention in her first year. By 2 1/2 years of age, the child had extensive pannus and corneal scarring that severely reduced vision. The infection was caused by a genital strain of Chlamydia trachomatis, TRIC type E, that was probably acquired at birth. Although genitally transmitted chlamydial strains normally cause a self-limiting inclusion conjunctivitis in areas where trachoma is not endemic, this case illustrates that they may occasionally cause severe trachoma. Possibly local idoxuridine (IDU) treatment (administered to this patient before the correct diagnosis was made) contributed to the severity of this infection.