Ophthalmic neonatorum is caused by–

Correct option is A

Sol. Ophthalmia neonatorum is a serious eye infection seen in newborns, typically within the first week of life. It is most commonly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted from an infected mother during vaginal delivery. It leads to profuse purulent discharge, redness, and swelling of eyelids. If untreated, it can result in corneal damage and blindness. Early prophylaxis with erythromycin eye ointment is recommended.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Neisseria gonorrhoea – Correct Answer. It is the most aggressive and sight-threatening cause of ophthalmia neonatorum and requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
· (b) Cytomegalovirus – Causes congenital infections affecting multiple organs, but eye infections from CMV in neonates are rare and usually systemic.
· (c) Herpes virus – May cause keratoconjunctivitis or systemic neonatal herpes but not classic ophthalmia neonatorum; often acquired during or after delivery.
· (d) Human papilloma virus – Associated with genital warts and respiratory papillomatosis in neonates; not known to cause neonatal eye infections.