Final answer:
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) does not cause conjunctivitis on the NBME; this is a misunderstanding. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by various bacteria, while neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is typically caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis and not GAS.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Streptococcus (GAS) causes conjunctivitis on the National Board Medical Exams (NBME) is False. The question seems to confound GAS with conjunctivitis and may refer to neonatal conjunctivitis caused by bacteria like Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, not GAS.
Bacterial conjunctivitis in general is an infection of the conjunctiva causing redness, irritation, and discharge that can be caused by several different bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is a specific type of bacterial conjunctivitis that occurs in newborns, often acquired during passage through the birth canal from an infected mother. Neonatal conjunctivitis needs to be treated promptly to prevent serious complications such as corneal scarring or permanent blindness.