What is the almost exclusive way gonorrhea is transmitted to an infant's eyes?

What is the almost exclusive way gonorrhea is transmitted to an infant's eyes?

• A. Through contaminated surfaces
• B. Blood transmission
• C. The birth process from mother to infant
• D. Airborne droplets

Answer: (C)

Gonorrhea is primarily spread from an infected mother to her infant during the birth process. When a baby passes through the birth canal, it may come into contact with the mother’s cervical secretions, which can carry the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This can lead to conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum), a serious infection of the eyes that can result in blindness if not treated promptly. The other methods listed, such as transmission through contaminated surfaces, blood, or airborne droplets, are not relevant to this specific mode of transmission for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea primarily affects mucous membranes and is not typically spread through these other routes. The direct contact during childbirth is the most significant risk for infants exposed to an infected mother.

Gonorrhea is primarily spread from an infected mother to her infant during the birth process. When a baby passes through the birth canal, it may come into contact with the mother’s cervical secretions, which can carry the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This can lead to conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum), a serious infection of the eyes that can result in blindness if not treated promptly.

The other methods listed, such as transmission through contaminated surfaces, blood, or airborne droplets, are not relevant to this specific mode of transmission for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea primarily affects mucous membranes and is not typically spread through these other routes. The direct contact during childbirth is the most significant risk for infants exposed to an infected mother.