BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN ENGLISH

                                                    

                             BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS  IN ENGLISH

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BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

          Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) or keratitis is defined as a syndrome beginning with lacrimation, irritation and hyperaemia of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctivae of one or both eyes, followed by oedema of eyelids and mucopurulent discharge.

CAUSATIVE AGENT-

          Bacterial conjunctivitis is mainly caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Neisseria meningitidis and Corynebacterium diphtheriae may also produce the disease.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION-

          Contact with discharges from conjunctiva  or upper respiratory tracts of infected people; contaminated fingers, clothing and other articles, including shared eye makeup applicators, multiple dose eye medications and inadequately sterilized instruments such as tonometers.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS-

Ø  General symptoms of conjunctiva include-

Ø   foreign body sensation in the eye

Ø   scratching or burning sensation 

Ø   Itching, and photophobia.

Ø  Conjunctivitis may be unilateral or bilateral, but the infection usually starts in one eye and then spreads to the other eye by hand contact.

DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS-

Ø  Confirmation of clinical diagnosis through microscopic examination of a stained smear or culture of the discharge is required to differentiate bacterial from viral or allergic conjunctivitis

TREATMENT-

Ø  Local application of an ointment or drops containing a sulfonamide such as sodium sulfacetamide, gentamicin or combination antibiotics such as polymyxin B with neomycin or trimethoprim is generally effective

PREVENTION-

Ø  Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of patients is a very good method for prevention of spread of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Ø   Prophylactic treatment may be provided to the close contacts of patient to prevent spread of infection in the family/community.

Ø  Health education regarding Personal hygiene, hygienic care and treatment of affected eyes may prevent spread of conjunctivitis.

Ø  It is a notifiable disease in many countries. Reporting may help preventing the epidemic.

Ø  Isolation: Drainage and secretion precautions and Children should not attend school during the acute stage

Ø  Concurrent disinfection  Of discharges and soiled articles and terminal cleaning of articles and unit after discharge of the patient is also important.