Ophthalmia neonatorum: Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) is a form of conjunctivitis occurring within the 1st month of life, primarily attributable to bacterial pathogens. The predominant etiological agents include Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Viral pathogens such as herpes simplex, adenovirus, and enterovirus may also incite ON. Hospital-acquired conjunctivitis (HAC) rarely affects healthy infants who have received prophylactic treatment against ON. Herein, we report a case of ON in a healthy female newborn female caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Following the infant’s and her parents’ treatment, the patient’s condition improved, leading to discharge. Strict adherence to infection control protocols, including meticulous hand hygiene practices, is crucial for attenuating this issue and averting the serious complications associated with HAC.

Keywords

• hospital-acquired conjunctivitis
• klebsiella pneumoniae
• neonatal conjunctivitis
• ophthalmia neonatorum