STI: ophthalmia neonatorum: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · STI: ophthalmia neonatorum

Sample item

A neonate develops copious purulent conjunctival discharge on day 3 of life. Which organism is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum appears at 2 to 5 days after birth with severe purulent discharge and can perforate the cornea. Chlamydial conjunctivitis appears at 5 to 14 days, and chemical conjunctivitis within the first day.

Option by option

  • A. Silver nitrate prophylaxis effect

    Chemical conjunctivitis is seen within 24 hours of prophylaxis.

  • B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (correct)

    Correct. Onset at 2 to 5 days with copious pus suggests gonococcus.

  • C. Herpes simplex virus

    HSV conjunctivitis presents as vesicles and keratitis, usually after the first week.

  • D. Chlamydia trachomatis

    Chlamydial disease usually presents at 5 to 14 days.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum appears at 2 to 5 days after birth with severe purulent discharge and can perforate the cornea.

Why is "Silver nitrate prophylaxis effect" not the answer?

Chemical conjunctivitis is seen within 24 hours of prophylaxis.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus" not the answer?

HSV conjunctivitis presents as vesicles and keratitis, usually after the first week.

Why is "Chlamydia trachomatis" not the answer?

Chlamydial disease usually presents at 5 to 14 days.

What concept does this question test?

It tests STI: ophthalmia neonatorum in Dermatology. Chlamydial conjunctivitis appears at 5 to 14 days, and chemical conjunctivitis within the first day.

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 STI: ophthalmia neonatorum?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.