Neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis is treated with sulfacetamide drops or ointment for how long?

• A. 5 days
• B. 7 days
• C. 14 days
• D. Three weeks

Answer: (D)

Neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis tends to clear slowly because Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular organism. Topical sulfacetamide can help with the eye symptoms, but it does not rapidly eradicate the infection on its own. Because the conjunctival infection can persist for several weeks, the topical treatment is continued for about three weeks to maximize clearance and reduce the chance of relapse. This longer course reflects the slower response of Chlamydia to therapy and the need to cover the full course of the ocular infection, often in conjunction with systemic antibiotics. Shorter durations such as a few days or even two weeks are more likely to be insufficient for complete resolution.