Pharmacological management of bacterial conjunctivitis in South Africa

Abstract

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common ocular condition that affects individuals across all age groups and is a significant cause of red eye in primary healthcare settings in South Africa. The condition is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. This article provides an overview of the current understanding of bacterial conjunctivitis in the South African context, covering epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and emerging concerns such as antimicrobial resistance. The article also highlights the challenges within public healthcare facilities and the importance of local surveillance and standardised treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes.