Step 1: Bacterial conjunctivitis is graded by severity into acute, hyperacute and chronic forms, each with typical organisms.
Step 2: Common acute bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
Step 3: The hyperacute (severe) form, with copious purulent discharge, is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or N. meningitidis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae can produce severe ulcerative keratitis that may rapidly progress to corneal perforation.
Step 4: Because the question asks for the severe form, the answer is Neisseria, while the staphylococcal, streptococcal and haemophilus organisms cause the milder acute or chronic forms.