Which type of drainage is typical of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Which type of drainage is typical of bacterial conjunctivitis?

• A. Purulent drainage
• B. Watery drainage
• C. Mucoid drainage
• D. No drainage

Answer: (A)

Purulent drainage indicates a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva. The thick, pus-like exudate—often yellow-green—produces crusting on the lashes and lids, especially after sleep, due to neutrophil-rich material spilling from the infected surface. In contrast, viral conjunctivitis tends to have watery drainage, allergic conjunctivitis shows mucoid (stringy) discharge, and no drainage would be unlikely with an active conjunctival infection.

Purulent drainage indicates a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva. The thick, pus-like exudate—often yellow-green—produces crusting on the lashes and lids, especially after sleep, due to neutrophil-rich material spilling from the infected surface. In contrast, viral conjunctivitis tends to have watery drainage, allergic conjunctivitis shows mucoid (stringy) discharge, and no drainage would be unlikely with an active conjunctival infection.