Definition:
Inclusion conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part, or sclera, of the eyeball) by the chlamydia trachomatis.
Diagnosis:
Inclusion conjunctivitis is typically considered when the patient has a follicular conjunctivitis that will not go away, even after using topical antibiotics. Diagnosis depends upon tests done on the discharge from the eye. Gram stains determine the type of microorganism, while culture and sensitivity tests determine which antibiotic will eliminate the harmful microorganism.
Treatment:
Treatment in the newborn consists of administration of tetracycline ointment to the conjunctiva and erythromycin orally or via intravenous therapy for fourteen days. The mother should be treated for cervicitis and the father for urethritis, even if they do not display symptoms of these diseases.
Symptoms and Signs:
In adult inclusion conjunctivitis, one eye is typically involved, with a stringy discharge of mucus and pus. There may be little bumps called follicles inside the lower eyelid and the eye is red in color. Sometimes, the condition damages the cornea, causing cloudy areas and a growth of new blood vessels (neovascularization).
Causes:
Inclusion conjunctivitis in the newborn arises from passage through an infected birth canal and develops 5-14 days after birth. Both the eyelids and conjunctivae are swollen. There may be a discharge of pus from the baby's eyes.
Most instances of adult inclusion conjunctivitis arise from exposure to infected genital secretions. It is passed on to the eye by fingers and occasionally by the water in swimming pools, poorly chlorinated hot tubs, or by sharing makeup.
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