Which pathogen most commonly causes ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns?

Which pathogen most commonly causes ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns?

• A. Chlamydia
• B. Gonorrhea
• C. Human papillomavirus
• D. Herpes simplex virus

Answer: (A)

Ophthalmia neonatorum is neonatal conjunctivitis acquired during birth, and the most common pathogen is Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is typically acquired from an infected mother during passage through the birth canal and tends to present several days after birth (often around one week) with mucopurulent discharge and follicular conjunctivitis. This slower, milder onset contrasts with gonococcal conjunctivitis, which appears much sooner (within 2–5 days) and tends to have a more copious, purulent discharge with higher risk of corneal involvement. HPV and HSV can cause eye findings in newborns but are not the leading causes of ophthalmia neonatorum.

Ophthalmia neonatorum is neonatal conjunctivitis acquired during birth, and the most common pathogen is Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is typically acquired from an infected mother during passage through the birth canal and tends to present several days after birth (often around one week) with mucopurulent discharge and follicular conjunctivitis. This slower, milder onset contrasts with gonococcal conjunctivitis, which appears much sooner (within 2–5 days) and tends to have a more copious, purulent discharge with higher risk of corneal involvement. HPV and HSV can cause eye findings in newborns but are not the leading causes of ophthalmia neonatorum.