Why We Need a Program for the Control ofChlamydia trachomatis

Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is a potentially blinding disease. As noted elsewhere in this issue of the Journal, the introduction of silver nitrate eye drops for prophylaxis against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum was a major triumph of preventive medicine.1 Because we can now diagnose and treat gonococcal infections, it has been suggested that routine ocular prophylaxis should be discontinued and prevention should be based on prenatal screening and treatment of infected pregnant women. Unfortunately, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is still epidemic in this country, with an estimated 2 million infections occurring each year. The population groups at high risk for gonococcal infection often . . .