The finding of Gram-negative diplococci on the Gram stain coupled with a subsequent history of genital tract complaints was highly suggestive of gonococcal disease. The diagnosis of Gonococcal Ophthalmia was confirmed by positive gonoccocal cultures performed on chocolate agar plates.
Gonococcal ophthalmia is a disease that occurs in neonates, adolescents, and young adults.
However, only about one-half of cases are actually reported. Transmission if from genitalia to hand to eye contact. The pathogen is Neisseria gonorrheae, a gram negative diplococci which is microaerophilic. Man is this organism's only natural reservoir. Its pathogenicity is related to its ability to attach to epithelial surfaces and invade epithelial cells and white blood cells.