A college student presents with purulent discharge from her eye. What condition should be suspected?

The presentation of purulent discharge from the eye strongly suggests gonococcal conjunctivitis, particularly given the context of a college student, who may be at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Gonococcal conjunctivitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and typically results in a copious, purulent discharge that can lead to significant discomfort and even vision-threatening complications if left untreated.

This condition is especially concerning in sexually active individuals and is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, including redness, swelling, and the aforementioned discharge. The association of purulent discharge with potential exposure to the pathogen makes gonococcal conjunctivitis the most plausible diagnosis in this scenario.

While viral conjunctivitis can also cause discharge, it is usually more watery and accompanied by other symptoms such as redness and tearing rather than the thick, yellow-green discharge characteristic of gonococcal infections. Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, typically presents with clear, watery discharge and itching rather than purulence. Chlamydial conjunctivitis can feature a mucopurulent discharge, but it generally has a more gradual onset and is often linked to a history of chlamydial infection. In the context of the sudden onset of