Gonococcal Keratoconjunctivitis in Adult

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Neisseria gonorrhea is usually identified in neonatal conjunctivitis, but rare in adult keratoconjunctivitis. We report a rare case of bilateral gonococcal conjunctivitis combined with keratitis. METHODS: A 29-year-old male with a history of sexual contact with a prostitute 17 days ago referred to our hospital with acute keratoconjunctivitis. Ocular discharge was examined by Gram stain, culture, and sensitivity test to antibiotics, resulting in the identification of penicillin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhea. RESULTS: This patient was treated with intramuscular ceftriaxone for 5 days and topical cefmenoxime 0.5% for 2 weeks. Following 24 hours after antibiotics medication, the clinical symptoms were improved, and follow-up culture was negative. No evidence of serious complication was left in the cornea and conjunctiva. CONCLUSIONS: As adult gonococcal keratoconjuctivitis is relatively rare, the clinical diagnosis may be delayed. When one suspects an adult gonococcal keratoconjunctivitis, immediate gram staining and confirmatory culture for isolation of gram-negative intracellular diplococci are mandatory. It should be remembered that intramuscular ceftriaxone and topical cefmenoxime are an effective treatment for this condition.