Author/Authors :
Ayena, Koffi Didier Hôpital de Bè, Togo , Santos, Kam Hôpital de Bè, Togo , Diallo, Jean W Centre hospitalier universitaire-CHU Sylvanus Olympio, Togo , Vonor, Kokou Centre hospitalier universitaire-CHU Sylvanus Olympio, Togo , Nagbe, Yawa N Centre hospitalier universitaire-CHU Sylvanus Olympio, Togo , Balo, Komi Centre hospitalier universitaire-CHU Sylvanus Olympio, Togo
Abstract :
Purpose. To estimate the incidence rate of neonatal conjunctivitis in Togo and identify the main etiologies. Patients and Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey from March 19th to May 13th 2011, in seven health centers in Togo (4 in the south and 3 in the north). All newborns in these centers were examined to identify clinical signs of conjunctivitis. Cytological and bacteriological examination (CBE) of conjunctival secretions was carried out on suspect newborns children. Results. During the study period, 507 newborns babies were examined including 265 boys and 242 girls. The mean age at examination was 3.7 days. Thirty-five newborns babies had conjunctivitis (6.9%). 11 (37.1%) of these cases of conjunctivitis were diagnosed in the first four days of life. Twenty-five of these newborns children were delivered vaginally (71.4%) against 10 by caesarean section (28.6%). All mothers of newborns patients reported signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the third trimester of pregnancy. On CBE, Staphylococcus aureus was found in 25.7% of cases. Conclusion. Despite the extension of neonatal conjunctivitis prophylaxis by the method of Crede, this disease is still endemic in our region. Neonatal conjunctivitis’ eradication requires treatment of STIs among pregnant women followed by information on the prevention of infections inside the neonatal care centers and at home by applying simple rules of hygiene.
NaturalLanguageKeyword :
Neonatal conjunctivitis , Epidemiology , Black Africa , Togo
