Ophthalmia neonatorum: timing: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Ophthalmia neonatorum: timing

Sample item

A neonate develops severe purulent conjunctivitis with lid oedema on day 3. Which organism is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonococcal ophthalmia presents within 2 to 4 days with profuse purulent discharge and can perforate the cornea. Chlamydial disease appears at 5 to 14 days and is milder.

Option by option

  • A. Herpes simplex virus

    Herpes simplex typically presents in the second week with vesicles and keratitis.

  • B. Chlamydia trachomatis

    Chlamydial onset is later, at 5 to 14 days.

  • C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (correct)

    Correct. Onset in 2 to 4 days with hyperacute purulence is classic for gonococcus.

  • D. Staphylococcus aureus

    Staphylococcus is a less common and milder cause.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonococcal ophthalmia presents within 2 to 4 days with profuse purulent discharge and can perforate the cornea.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus" not the answer?

Herpes simplex typically presents in the second week with vesicles and keratitis.

Why is "Chlamydia trachomatis" not the answer?

Chlamydial onset is later, at 5 to 14 days.

Why is "Staphylococcus aureus" not the answer?

Staphylococcus is a less common and milder cause.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ophthalmia neonatorum: timing in Ophthalmology. Chlamydial disease appears at 5 to 14 days and is 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 Ophthalmia neonatorum: timing?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.