What type of infection is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," can indeed present as a bacterial infection, making it highly infectious. This type of infection occurs when bacteria invade the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. The infection leads to inflammation, redness, and discharge from the eyes, which contributes to its contagious nature.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is often characterized by symptoms such as sticky, yellow or green discharge and can spread quickly, especially in communal environments. In contrast, while viral conjunctivitis is also contagious, the question specifically pertains to the characteristic of a highly infectious bacterial infection, which emphasizes the severe and swift spread of this type of conjunctivitis among individuals.

Understanding that conjunctivitis can also result from allergies or viruses provides broader context but highlights that the focus is on bacterial infections in this instance. Thus, identifying conjunctivitis as a highly infectious bacterial infection accurately captures its definition and nature.