What should be suspected if a 6-day-old child has eye discharge?

In the case of a 6-day-old infant presenting with eye discharge, it is important to consider the potential causes specific to neonates. In this age group, one of the significant concerns with eye discharge is the possibility of a conjunctivitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Newborns can acquire these infections during the passage through the birth canal if the mother is infected, leading to symptoms like purulent eye discharge shortly after birth.

Allergic conjunctivitis is less likely at such a young age because allergies typically do not manifest in neonates in the same way they do in older children or adults. Similarly, viral conjunctivitis, while possible, is more common in children who are a bit older and typically presents with more tearing and redness, rather than just eye discharge in a newborn. The common cold is also not a likely cause of eye discharge in an infant, as upper respiratory infections usually do not present with conjunctival symptoms.

Therefore, in a newborn with discharge from the eyes, especially within the first week of life, there is a higher suspicion for an infection associated with sexually transmitted diseases, making it the most appropriate choice in this situation.