Group 4 Question 4.docx

Treatment: Specific therapy of bacterial conjunctivitis depends on identification of the microbiologic agent. While waiting for laboratory reports.      

Physician can start topical therapy with a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (eg, polymyxin trimethoprim) In any purulent conjunctivitis in which the Gram stain shows gram-negative diplococci suggestive of neisseria, both systemic and topical therapy should be started immediately. If there is no corneal involvement, a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone, 1 g, is usually adequate systemic therapy. If there is corneal involvement, a 5-day course of parenteral ceftriaxone, 1–2 g daily, is required. In purulent and mucopurulent conjunctivitis, the conjunctival sac should be irrigated with saline solution as necessary to remove the conjunctival secretions. To prevent spread of the disease, the patient and family should be instructed to give special attention to personal hygiene.