Final answer:
Neonatal conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva in newborns caused by sexually transmitted infections. There are three types: ophthalmia neonatorum, inclusion conjunctivitis, and neonatal herpes. Treatment involves antibiotics and can vary depending on the specific type of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Neonatal conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva in newborns, which can be caused by certain sexually transmitted infections transmitted during childbirth. There are three types of neonatal conjunctivitis: ophthalmia neonatorum, inclusion conjunctivitis, and neonatal herpes. Ophthalmia neonatorum is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, inclusion conjunctivitis is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and neonatal herpes is caused by the herpes virus.
Timeframes and Treatments
Neonatal conjunctivitis usually develops within 2-5 days after birth. Ophthalmia neonatorum and inclusion conjunctivitis are treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as erythromycin. Silver nitrate ointments were once used to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum but are now less common. Neonatal herpes infections can be limited to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, or they can become disseminated and spread to the central nervous system.