Background Ophthalmia neonatorium, also called neonatal conjunctivitis is a complication of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections characterized by copious eyes discharge of newborn babies of infected untreated genital women. We examined babies born of women to determine the prevalence of ophthalmia noenatorium.

Methods This descriptive retrospective study reviewed the records of 257 babies aged 3 days to 14 days, of lactating women accessing care at the STI Clinic of the Suntreso Government Hospital in Kumasi Ghana from January to August 2018. Socio demographic characteristics as well as the clinical records and pregnancy details of the babies and mothers respectively were collected. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.

Results 56 (26.5%) of the 257 babies were from HIV positive mothers who have been on ART for over 2 years. 61.5% (158/257) of the babies had uneventful delivery while 38.5%(99/257) were delivered through caesarean section on account of breach presentation and foetal distress. 47.3% (122/257) of the mothers were symptomatic for vaginal discharge. A total of 211 (82.1%) of the babies were diagnosed and received syndromic treatment for Ophthalmia neonatorium. Of this number 20.4% (43/211)) were babies of HIV positive mothers and represented 76.8% (43/56) of the total number of babies of the HIV positive mothers. The study found a significant association (p, < 0.000) between babies with Ophthalmia neonatorium (98/122) and symptomatic mothers as well as HIV infection (p<0.001).

Conclusion HIV infection is a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections Ophthalmia neonatorum remains a significant contributor to morbidity among babies born to Persons living with HIV. HIV positive women in the reproductive age group may have to be screened and treated for sexually transmitted infections in order to prevent further transmission to babies.

Disclosure No significant relationships.