Question:
Severe (hyperacute) conjunctivitis is caused by which of the following organisms?
Severe (hyperacute) conjunctivitis is caused by which of the following organisms?
Show Hint
"Severe/hyperacute" purulent conjunctivitis that can perforate the cornea = gonococcus.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Neisseria
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
- Haemophilus
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The clue word is "severe", which in conjunctivitis points to the hyperacute, purulent form. Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis is the most aggressive type and is classically caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (and less often N. meningitidis).
Step 2: This matters clinically because N. gonorrhoeae can penetrate intact corneal epithelium and produce severe ulcerative keratitis that may rapidly progress to corneal perforation within hours to days, so it is a sight-threatening emergency.
Step 3: The distractors are causes of milder disease. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are the common organisms of ordinary acute (not hyperacute) bacterial conjunctivitis, which is self-limiting and does not threaten the cornea the way gonococcus does.
Step 4: Hence the organism behind a severe, copiously purulent (hyperacute) conjunctivitis is Neisseria, making option a correct.
Step 2: This matters clinically because N. gonorrhoeae can penetrate intact corneal epithelium and produce severe ulcerative keratitis that may rapidly progress to corneal perforation within hours to days, so it is a sight-threatening emergency.
Step 3: The distractors are causes of milder disease. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are the common organisms of ordinary acute (not hyperacute) bacterial conjunctivitis, which is self-limiting and does not threaten the cornea the way gonococcus does.
Step 4: Hence the organism behind a severe, copiously purulent (hyperacute) conjunctivitis is Neisseria, making option a correct.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top NEET PG Ophthalmology Questions
- A female presents with loss of vision in the right halves of both eyes. Where is the lesion located in the optic pathway?
- A 65-year-old diabetic woman presents with painless loss of vision. The ocular findings are shown in the image below. What is the likely diagnosis and management for this patient?
- A 5-year-old boy presents with a small nodule on the sclera as shown in the image below. What is the likely diagnosis?
- The eye examination of a 20-year-old male shows a golden ring on the iris. What is the next investigation to diagnose the condition?
- What is the dye and filter used to diagnose corneal ulcers?
View More Questions
Top NEET PG Conjunctival Diseases Questions
Top NEET PG Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions