A 2 weeks old infant has conjunctivitis, which later developed into respiratory distress and pneumonia. Chest X-ray showed bilateral lung infiltrates. WBC count was 14,300/dL. Which of the following is the most likely organism?
(A) Chlamydia trachomatis (B) Streptococcus agalactiae (C) Gonococcus (D) Haemophilus influenzae
(A) Answer- A. Chlamydia trachomatisChlamydia trachomatis: Of newborns infected by the mother, 10-20% may develop respiratory tract involvement 2-12 weeks after bih, culminating in pneumonia.Affected newborns have nasal obstruction or discharge, striking tachypnea, a characteristic paroxysmal staccato cough, an absence of fever, and eosinophilia. Interstitial infiltrates and hyperinflation can be seen on radiographs. The diagnosis should be suspected if pneumonitis develops in a newborn who has inclusion conjunctivitis and can be established by isolation of C. trachomatis from respiratory secretions.