Conjunctivitis Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye caused by pneumococci.

Causes

The causative agent of the disease is pneumococci - bacteria that most often live in the nasopharynx and respiratory tract of a healthy person. When the immune system is weakened, they can cause various diseases, including conjunctivitis. Infection occurs by airborne droplets or through dirty hands.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of pneumococcal conjunctivitis:

1. redness of the eye
2. swelling and swelling of the conjunctiva
3. discharge from the eye (purulent or mucous)
4. itching, burning, pain in the eyes
5. photophobia
6. lacrimation

In adults, conjunctivitis most often occurs in a unilateral form. In children, both eyes can be affected at once. Body temperature usually does not increase.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is made based on the characteristic clinical picture and the results of microbiological examination of conjunctival secretions.

Treatment includes topical antibiotics and eye drops, as well as oral antibiotics. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable and the disease resolves without complications.

Prevention consists of following the rules of personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, as well as avoiding contact with sick people. Vaccination against pneumococcus reduces the risk of disease.