Gonococcal Preseptal Cellulitis, Gonococcal Conjunctivitis

A 21-year-old female presented to the hospital with 5 days of right eye redness, swelling, discharge and pain. Exam revealed VA OD 20/70, painful EOM and severe conjunctival chemosis and discharge, and eyelid swelling. CT scan revealed right preseptal and facial cellulitis and conjunctival culture grew Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Antibiotics were changed to ceftriaxone and azithromycin. She denied history of sexually transmitted diseases and reported being sexually active with 1 partner and practicing safe sex. After antibiotics, her vision improved, and her symptoms resolved. N. gonorrhoeae is a rare causative organism for ocular infection and extremely rare cause of preseptal and orbital cellulitis. We will discuss the challenges and complications of gonorrheal eye infections as well as the public health concerns over rising infection rates and evolving antibiotic resistance.

Presentation Date: 09/24/2020

Issue Date: 02/12/2021