Neisseria meningitidis conjunctivitis in children

We examined two children from the same family who had purulent conjunctivitis. Isolates of Neisseria species were obtained from eye cultures and Gram stain of conjunctival scrapings disclosed many gram-negative intracellular diplococci. Colony structure and growth characteristics of the organism with subsequent carbohydrate fermentation tests and serotyping were consistent with Neisseria meningitidis Group B. The patients had no neurologic signs or symptoms. Results of laboratory investigations and blood cultures were normal. Early diagnosis is mandatory and aggressive systemic therapy with appropriate antibiotics may prevent ocular, neurologic, or systemic complications.