Die bakterielle Bindehautentzündung gehört mit einer Inzidenz von 135 : 10 000 in
den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika zu den häufigsten Krankheitsbildern der Augenheilkunde.
Obwohl viele
Fälle selbstlimitierend sind, kann sie zu Komplikationen führen oder eine antibiotische
Therapie erfordern. Dieser Beitrag fasst relevante Aspekte zu Epidemiologie, Erregern,
Diagnose und
Behandlungsoptionen zusammen.
Abstract
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a leading cause of infectious conjunctivitis in children
and second most common cause in adults. Although often self-limiting, it can lead
to complications like
corneal scarring and systemic infections in high-risk groups including newborns and
immunocompromised patients. Thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for
these vulnerable
populations. Common bacterial causes are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae
in adults and Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis in children. Clinical
features
alone do not reliably identify the causative pathogen. Microbiological testing is
necessary for persistent or severe cases. Topical antibiotics like azithromycin or
fluorochinolones are
usually prescribed. However, gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis warrant systemic
antibiotics due to their potential for severe complications. Increasing antibiotic
resistance might
even necessitate tailored therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Screening
and treating pregnant women is an effective prevention strategy by reducing perinatal
transmission
(especially of gonococcal and chlamydial infections). In summary, while often self-limiting,
potential complications and rising antibiotic resistance underscore the importance
of timely
diagnosis and treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Preventive measures including
maternal screening are crucial public health initiatives to curb the risks associated
with this common eye
infection.
Schlüsselwörter
bakterielle Konjunktivitis - Bindehautentzündung - Antibiotika - Resistenzen
Key words
Bacterial conjunctivitis - conjunctival inflammation - antibiotics - antibiotic resistance
