Clearing the blur: a microbial menace in focus – understanding bacterial conjunctivitis

Abstract

Bacterial conjunctivitis (BC), colloquially known as “pink eye”, typically presents with redness, purulent discharge (sticky eyelids), itching, and a foreign body sensation in the eye. The common pathogens that cause the condition are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Presentation of the condition can be acute or chronic, depending on the duration of the symptoms. Although BC is self-limiting, antibiotic treatment in the form of an eye drop or ointment is sometimes prescribed to reduce discomfort. BC is a contagious infection, and hand hygiene should be encouraged to reduce the risk of transmission.