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Conjunctivitis: Bacteria
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Infectious conjunctivitis may be bacterial or viral. Bacterial conjunctivitis is twice as common as viral conjunctivitis. Typically in bacterial conjunctivitis the eye is red, there is a purulent discharge, the affected child is often a pre-schooler and there may be an associated otitis media. In viral conjunctivitis there is redness, clear tearing or crusting, usually occurs in an older school age child, and is often associated with pharyngitis.
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Treatment depends on the cause of conjunctivitis. If bacterial conjunctivitis has been diagnosed, antibiotic eyedrops usually are prescribed for about a week. An antibiotic ointment is used for babies. Viral conjunctivitis disappears by itself and does not typically require treatment. (One exception is conjunctivitis caused by herpesvirus* infection, which is treated with antiviral eyedrops.) Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (uh-see-teh-MIH-noh-fen), and warm compresses placed over the eyelids several times a day may ease the discomfort. Conjunctivitis usually clears up within a week.
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The most common bacterial organisms causing conjunctivitis are Haemophilus Influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. H. Influenzae conjunctivitis occurs in 40 to 50% of cases and is more likely to be associated with an accompanying otitis media than other organisms. S. Pneumoniae accounts for about 10% of cases and other organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides and Moraxella catarrhalis) account for the remainder.
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Viral or chlamydial inclusion conjunctivitis typically presents with a small, tender, preauricular or submandibular lymph node. Toxic conjunctivitis secondary to topical medications can ... produce a palpable preauricular node. Palpable adenopathy is rare in acute bacterial conjunctivitis. The exception is hyperacute conjunctivitis caused by infection with Neisseria species.
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Viruses, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoo, dirt, smoke, pool chlorine), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or allergens (substances that cause allergies) can all cause conjunctivitis. Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, or STDs can spread easily from person to person but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
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With bacterial conjunctivitis, the eye is usually bright red and there is a copious amount of purulent yellow or green drainage. The eyes are usually matted shut after sleeping and you find yourself wiping the drainage away every 30 to 60 minutes during the day. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious and antibiotic eye drops are generally effective. However, bacterial eye infections may ... spontaneously resolve in 4-5 days without treatment.
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