[Neonatal conjunctivitis in the district of Glidji in Southern Togo: a cross sectional study about 159 new-borns].

INTRODUCTION: Describe the epidemiology of neonatal conjunctivitis in the Canton of Glidji in southern Togo.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 4 Satellite Health Care Units in the Canton of Glidji from 19 March to 13 May 2009 (8 weeks). All newborns were included in the study and neonatal conjunctivitis was defined by the presence in a newborn of at least two of the following signs: conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid swelling, chemosis, purulent discharges, lacrimation. The parameters studied were: age, sex, risk factors, medical history, presence or absence of conjunctivitis, germs responsible for conjunctivitis and evolution under treatment.

RESULTS: During the inclusion period, 159 newborns were examined. The average age was 10.9 days with 0-28 day interval. The study involved 80 boys and 79 girls (sex ratio 1.01). Of the 159 infants, 7 cases of conjunctivitis were diagnosed, representing an overall prevalence of 4.4%. Identified risk factors were: vaginal delivery and the presence of STI during pregnancy. Of the 7 cases of conjunctivitis, cytobacteriological examination allowed the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in 2 cases. The evolution of the cases of conjunctivitis under treatment was favorable with regression of the signs since the 3rd day.

CONCLUSION: Neonatal conjunctivitis had a prevalence of 4.4% in the Canton of Glidji in southern Togo and Staphylococcus aureus was the causative germ. Their prevention requires good follow-up prenatal visit and the administration of antibiotic eye drops at birth.