Neonatal Conjunctivitis in Ilorin, Nigeria

Eight hundred and fifty three babies born in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a six consecutive month period were screened clinically for the disease based on standard criteria. Those with conjunctivitis were investigated in order to determine the organisms responsible. The incidence rate in this cohort of babies born in the hospital but developed conjunctivitis within 28 days (mostly after discharge home) was 132 per thousand live births. Forty five babies (39.3 percent) had mild disease, 65 babies (58 percent) had moderately severe disease while only 3 babies (2.7 percent) had very severe form of the disease. Thirteen babies (11.6 percent) developed their disease within 24 hours of life. None of the cases was complicated by blindness, however a case of bilateral upper eyelid ectropion was recorded, among the babies. Chlamydia trachomatis was the most commonly isolated agent while vaginal discharge was the most significant maternal factor associated with conjunctivitis in the infants. Gonococcal organism was one of the least isolated agents among the babies with conjunctivitis. In the light and knowledge of the devastating and long term effects of improperly managed conjunctivitis, it was recommended that both local and national policies on the prevention of the condition be enunciated for immediate implementation.