What Is Conjunctivitis?
6. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is similar to viral conjunctivitis and can be best distinguished clinically based on the discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis generally causes a yellowish greenish discharge and patients often wake up with eyes that are “glued” shut. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be classified into hyperacute, acute, and chronic.
Hyperacute cases are usually due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and affect sexually active adults. It can also affect newborns in infected mothers. Nongonococcal conjunctivitis is an acute infection and can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Hemophilus influenzae. Younger patients in these cases may also experience sinusitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media. Chlamydial conjunctivitis can affect newborns and adults.
Advertisement
