Conjunctivitis, Chlamydial (adult inclusion conjunctivitis)

Aetiology

The microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular parasite (i.e. it cannot replicate outside a host cell)

• Serotypes A-C cause trachoma, the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide
• Serotypes D-K are responsible for Ophthalmia Neonatorum (see Clinical Management Guideline on Ophthalmia Neonatorum ) and adult inclusion conjunctivitis (this Guideline) (named for the intracytoplasmic [inclusion] bodies seen in Giemsa-stained conjunctival scrapings)
• Many patients (up to 70%) have a concurrent genital infection (may be asymptomatic)

Predisposing factors

Most common in young adulthood (15-35 years)
Sexual activity leading to genital infection with C. trachomatis:

• urethritis, cervicitis, prostatitis, proctitis (inflammation of the rectum), etc.; (may be asymptomatic)

Symptoms

History usually more than two weeks
Ocular gritty sensation and sticky discharge
Drooping upper lid(s)
(the majority of cases are unilateral)

Signs

Lid and other features

• oedema +/- ptosis (‘mechanical’)
• non-tender pre-auricular lymph node swelling (may or may not be present)

Conjunctival features

• mucopurulent conjunctivitis
• large follicles in upper and lower fornices (double eversion of the lid needed to view upper fornix)
• limbal and/or bulbar follicles may also be present

Corneal features

• epithelial keratitis, usually superior
• subepithelial infiltrates, similar to those seen in adenovirus KC
• marginal infiltrates
• superior pannus

(NB signs may be unilateral or asymmetrical or bilateral)

Differential diagnosis

Other causes of acute red eye such as adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis, HSK, molluscum contagiosum

Management by optometrist

Practitioners should recognise their limitations and where necessary seek further advice or refer the patient elsewhere

GRADE* Level of evidence and strength of recommendation always relates to the statement(s) immediately above

Non pharmacological

Advise against contact lens wear
(GRADE*: Level of evidence=low, Strength of recommendation=strong)
 

Pharmacological

Symptomatic relief with ocular lubricants
(NB even if diagnosis appears beyond doubt, do not commence specific treatment before referral as other STDs may also be present)
(GRADE*: Level of evidence=low, Strength of recommendation=strong)
 

Management category

A3: first aid measures and urgent referral to ophthalmologist or GP with a view to onward referral to Genito-Urinary Clinic

Possible management by ophthalmologist

Liaison with Genito-Urinary Clinic, which will exclude other STDs and advise on treatment of patient and partner(s)
Treatment with systemic antibiotics (e.g. single dose of azithromycin 1g or doxycycline 100mg twice per day for 7 days [contraindicated in pregnancy]).
Patients and sexual partners must be treated.

Evidence base

*GRADE: Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (www.gradingworkinggroup.org)
 

Sources of evidence

Azari AA1, Barney NP. Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment.JAMA. 2013;310:1721-9

Katusic D, Petricek I, Mandic Z, Petric I, Salopek-Rabatic J, Kruzic V, Oreskovic K, Sikic J, Petricek G. Azithromycin vs doxycycline in the treatment of inclusion conjunctivitis. Am J Ophthalmol 2003;135:447-51

Lay summary

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK.

In the eyes, chlamydia can cause irritation, pain, swelling and discharge, usually affecting one eye only. Most patients presenting with chlamydial conjunctivitis will have an associated genital infection (of which they may be unaware). It is important that these patients are referred to genito-urinary medicine clinics for a full STI investigation. Chlamydial infection is usually treated with antibiotics, which can be very effective. Most people with chlamydial infection will be cured if they take their antibiotics correctly.

Conjunctivitis, Chlamydial (adult inclusion conjunctivitis)
Version 12
Date of search 26.05.16
Date of revision 29.07.16
Date of publication 17.10.16
Date for review 25.05.18
© College of Optometrists 

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