Question

Which of the following may cause an eye infection in newborns delivered to infected mothers? a. chlamydia b. gonorrhea c. AIDS d. Both a and b are correct.

Short answer

Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are the primary causes of eye infections in newborns delivered to infected mothers. Therefore, the correct answer is d. Both a and b are correct.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

First, we should understand what each option represents: - Chlamydia: It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. - Gonorrhea: It is another STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. - AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): It is a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading to a weakened immune system.

Identify the Medical Conditions Responsible for Eye Infections in Newborns

Now, let's identify the medical conditions responsible for eye infections in newborns delivered to infected mothers. A condition called neonatal conjunctivitis or ophthalmia neonatorum is an eye infection that occurs in newborns. Two primary causes of neonatal conjunctivitis are: - Chlamydia trachomatis - Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Checking if AIDS Causes Neonatal Conjunctivitis

HIV/AIDS can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, but it does not directly cause eye infections or conjunctivitis in newborns. Instead, it weakens the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections.

Final Answer

Since chlamydia and gonorrhea are the primary causes of eye infections in newborns delivered to infected mothers, the correct answer is: d. Both a and b are correct.

Key concepts

Understanding Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium _Chlamydia trachomatis_.
In many cases, it may not exhibit visible symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose without a proper medical examination.
However, it can have severe repercussions if left untreated, especially for pregnant women. Pregnant women infected with chlamydia can transmit the infection to their newborns during childbirth.
This can lead to neonatal conjunctivitis, an eye condition characterized by redness, swelling, and discharge.
Early intervention and proper medical guidance are crucial to managing chlamydia in pregnant women to prevent this transmission and protect the health of the baby.

The Role of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, another sexually transmitted infection, is caused by the bacterium _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_.
It is known for affecting the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, but can also cause issues in other parts of the body, including the eyes. When mothers with untreated gonorrhea give birth, the bacteria can be transferred to the newborn.
This transmission often leads to a severe form of neonatal conjunctivitis called ophthalmia neonatorum.
The symptoms are similar to those caused by chlamydia, involving eye irritation, discharge, and sometimes, swollen eyelids. Ensuring mothers receive proper prenatal care can significantly reduce the risks of such transmissions.

Exploring Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Neonatal conjunctivitis, or ophthalmia neonatorum, refers to the inflammation of a newborn's eyes.
This condition can be caused by exposure to bacteria during childbirth, particularly from infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The symptoms can be alarming, as they include eye redness, swelling, and pus-like discharge.
The condition is not only uncomfortable for the baby but can lead to more severe complications if not treated early. To prevent this condition, screening and treatment for STIs in pregnant women are vital.
Healthcare providers often administer eye drops or ointments immediately after birth to help prevent infections.
Awareness and proper prenatal care for expectant mothers are crucial in mitigating the effects of neonatal conjunctivitis.