Ophthalmia neonatorum is caused by which organism?

Prepare for your Microbial Growth Phases, Oxygen Needs, and Immunity Types Test. Use our multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations for each answer to enhance your understanding and ensure success!

Multiple Choice

Ophthalmia neonatorum is caused by which organism?

Explanation:
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a neonatal conjunctival infection acquired during birth. The classic culprit is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes a hyperacute, highly purulent conjunctivitis that appears within the first day or two of life. This rapid, severe presentation makes it the best answer. While Chlamydia trachomatis can also cause neonatal conjunctivitis, it typically shows up several days to weeks after birth and tends to be less purulent. The other bacteria listed can cause conjunctivitis in general, but they do not produce the characteristic hyperacute, purulent neonatal infection seen with gonorrhea.

Ophthalmia neonatorum is a neonatal conjunctival infection acquired during birth. The classic culprit is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes a hyperacute, highly purulent conjunctivitis that appears within the first day or two of life. This rapid, severe presentation makes it the best answer. While Chlamydia trachomatis can also cause neonatal conjunctivitis, it typically shows up several days to weeks after birth and tends to be less purulent. The other bacteria listed can cause conjunctivitis in general, but they do not produce the characteristic hyperacute, purulent neonatal infection seen with gonorrhea.

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