Prophylaxis of Chlamydia trachomatis induced ophthalmia neonatorum

It has been well established that Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) can be vertically transmitted from infected mother with cervical CT infection to the newborn. One of the most serious consequences from this transmission can be development of neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum). It is determined that at the present time, CT infection is the most common cause of neonatal conjunctivitis. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum after prophylactic topical application of 1% silver nitrate drops or topical 1% tetracycline ophthalmic ointment.