Index of Suspicion in the Nursery

Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis caused by Escherichia coli in a newborn

“…However, its overall incidence of 1%–2% has remained of clinical relevance. 1,2,5 Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis is an inflammatory condition that is characterized by muco-purulence and pseudomembrane formation, most commonly described in the setting of infection. The organisms that have been linked to pseudomembranous conjunctivitis include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Chlamydia, Corynebacterium , and adenovirus.…”

“…Its incidence has significantly declined as a result of universal prophylaxis over the past decades. 1,2 Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva leading to conjunctival injection, mucopurulent discharge, and formation of a thin membrane overlying the conjunctiva. It is often secondary to an infection from either a bacterial or viral pathogen.…”