Bacteriology: gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Bacteriology: gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum

Sample item

A full-term neonate delivered vaginally without ocular prophylaxis develops bilateral severe purulent conjunctivitis with marked eyelid oedema on day 3 of life. Which organism is the most likely cause?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum presents 2 to 5 days after birth with profuse purulent discharge and lid swelling and can perforate the cornea if untreated. Chlamydial conjunctivitis appears later, in the second week, and is usually milder.

Option by option

  • A. Chlamydia trachomatis

    Chlamydial conjunctivitis usually begins at 5 to 14 days and is less purulent.

  • B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (correct)

    Correct. Onset in the first days with copious pus and lid oedema is typical of gonococcal infection.

  • C. Herpes simplex virus type 2

    Herpetic disease appears around the end of the first week or later, often with lid vesicles or keratitis.

  • D. Staphylococcus aureus

    Staphylococcal conjunctivitis can occur at any time but is usually mild and lacks this explosive early picture.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is B, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum presents 2 to 5 days after birth with profuse purulent discharge and lid swelling and can perforate the cornea if untreated.

Why is "Chlamydia trachomatis" not the answer?

Chlamydial conjunctivitis usually begins at 5 to 14 days and is less purulent.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus type 2" not the answer?

Herpetic disease appears around the end of the first week or later, often with lid vesicles or keratitis.

Why is "Staphylococcus aureus" not the answer?

Staphylococcal conjunctivitis can occur at any time but is usually mild and lacks this explosive early picture.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology: gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum in Microbiology. Chlamydial conjunctivitis appears later, in the second week, and is usually milder.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Bacteriology: gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.