What is the likely absorption status of erythromycin in a 2-week-old neonate with Chlamydia pneumoniae conjunctivitis?

Erythromycin absorption can be influenced by several factors, particularly in neonates. In a 2-week-old neonate, the gastrointestinal tract is still maturing, which may impact the absorption of orally administered medications like erythromycin. In the early weeks of life, gastric pH is more alkaline, and the digestive enzymes may not be fully developed, potentially leading to altered absorption.

In this specific case of Chlamydia pneumoniae conjunctivitis, erythromycin is an appropriate antibacterial choice; however, neonates may have decreased absorption due to the factors mentioned above, such as immature gastric function. This could manifest as suboptimal serum levels of the medication, which are necessary to treat the infection effectively.

Thus, the likely absorption status of erythromycin in this scenario is decreased, given the physiological characteristics of the neonate's digestive system during the early weeks of life, supporting the correct answer.