Maternal gonorrhea can put an infant at risk for what condition?

Maternal gonorrhea poses significant risks to an infant, particularly relating to the development of bilateral conjunctivitis, which is also known as gonococcal conjunctivitis. This condition occurs when the infant is exposed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae during delivery, as bacteria can infect the eyes, leading to severe inflammation, redness, swelling, and potential discharge. If left untreated, gonococcal conjunctivitis can result in complications including corneal scarring and even vision loss.

The risk of bilateral conjunctivitis is especially relevant in the context of newborn care, emphasizing the importance of screening and treating maternal gonorrhea to prevent this condition. Consequently, timely administration of prophylactic eye treatment for newborns, such as antibiotic eye drops, is a crucial practice to prevent infection at birth.