Ocular Gonococcal Infection With Minimal or No Inflammatory Response

Abstract

THE SEVERITY and complications of ocular gonococcal infection are well recognized. The incubation period in neonates is one to three days, with the appearance of a profuse purulent conjunctival discharge accompanied by marked edema and hyperemia of the eyelids¹by five days after exposure. Cases with incubation periods up to 19 days have been reported after inoculation of the eye with urine contaminated by gonococci, but a marked exudative response occurred with the onset of symptoms.²Rapid diagnosis and treatment are thought essential to prevent serious ocular damage. The conjunctival inflammatory reaction may be complicated by extension and penetration into the corneal epithelium. Corneal involvement has been regarded as a common feature of untreated cases. There has been increasing evidence that<i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>may colonize the genital tract, anal canal, and oropharynx without producing symptoms or signs of inflammation. However, ocular gonococcal infection or colonization with minimal or