37 - Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Abstract

The presentation of bacterial conjunctivitis is a spectrum spanning both duration and severity. Most common is acute conjunctivitis, which is localized to the ocular surface and benign with a self-limited course. It is often difficult to clinically distinguish from adenoviral conjunctivitis. The Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular Microorganisms study identified the most causative pathogens and found that Staphylococcal isolates had decreasing resistance to oxacillin from 2009 to 2016, which encourages further conservative use of antibiotics. These should be reserved for severe cases and hyperacute and chronic conjunctivitis. The hyperacute presentation of gonorrheal conjunctivitis warrants urgent systemic treatment to protect the cornea from severe ulceration and perforation. Coinfection of Chlamydia with gonorrhea is common, and treatment with dual therapy is accordingly appropriate to address both organisms.