Trachoma: global magnitude of a preventable cause of blindness

Abstract

Objectives: Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. It is known to be highly correlated with poverty, limited access to healthcare services and water. In 2003, the WHO estimated that 84 million people were suffering from active trachoma, and 7.6 million were severely visually impaired or blind as a result of trachoma: this study provides an updated estimate of the global prevalence of trachoma based on the most recent information available. Methods: A literature search of recent published and unpublished surveys in the 57 endemic countries was carried out: the result of surveys that used the WHO trachoma grading system and additional information from regional and country experts served as a basis to determine the prevalence of trachoma in each country. Results: Population-based surveys provided recent information for 42 out of 57 endemic countries. 40.6 million people are estimated to be suffering from active trachoma, and 8.2 million are estimated to have trichiasis. Conclusions: The current estimate of prevalence of trachoma is lower than the previous WHO estimates: this can be explained by the success in implementing control strategy, by more accurate data, as well as by socioeconomic development in endemic countries.

Prevalência de tracoma entre escolares brasileiros

“…The municipalities were chosen based on the knowledge that trachoma is more prevalent in poorer communities, 9 thus allowing the investigation to be more focused.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 41 million individuals, worldwide, with active trachoma and 7.6 million with trichiasis, the clinical sequelae of the disease, while 1.3 million suffer serious visual impairment and blindness. 9,13 Trachoma is linked to poor socioeconomic conditions and poor sanitation and hygiene.…”

Association of Mass Treatment with Azithromycin in Trachoma-Endemic Communities with Short-Term Reduced Risk of Diarrhea in Young Children

“…1 The estimated 3.8 million cases of blindness and 5.3 million cases of low vision caused by trachoma are responsible for significant losses in productivity, which hinders economic development, and increases personal and societal burdens in affected areas. 1,2 Results from studies conducted in areas with a high burden of trachoma show that a single dose of azithromycin is effective in treating chlamydial infections and preventing their recurrence.…”

Trachoma elimination in remote Indigenous Northern Territory communities: baseline health-promotion study

“…Trachoma is characterised by episodes of repeated infection with Chlamydia trachomatis that begins in early childhood when the bacteria is transmitted from an infected to an uninfected individual by direct contact (Burton 2007). It spreads in poor, overcrowded environments with poor personal and community hygiene (Mariotti et al 2009). Dirty faces, specifically nasal and ocular discharge, spread the infection when children play closely together or share the same sleeping space (Taylor 2008).…”