Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. It primarily affects people in poor, rural communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide, although it is preventable and treatable.
Key Characteristics of Trachoma:
- Cause:
- Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread through contact with infected eye or nasal discharge, hands, clothing, or flies that have been in contact with the eyes or nose of an infected person.
- Symptoms:
- Initially causes mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids, along with a discharge.
- Over time, repeated infections lead to scarring of the inner eyelids. This scarring causes the eyelashes to turn inward, a painful condition called trichiasis, where the eyelashes rub against the cornea, leading to blindness.
- Stages of Trachoma:
- Follicular trachoma: Presence of small lumps on the inner surface of the eyelid.
- Intense trachoma: Thickening and swelling of the eyelids.
- Scarring: Scars form on the inner surface of the eyelid.
- Trichiasis: Eyelashes turn inward.
- Corneal opacity: Scarring of the cornea leading to vision loss.
- Prevalence:
- Primarily affects children and women in impoverished regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Latin America.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Prevention:
- Implementing the SAFE strategy promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes:
- Surgery to correct advanced cases of trichiasis.
- Antibiotics to treat active infections, commonly using azithromycin.
- Facial cleanliness to reduce transmission.
- Environmental improvements, such as access to clean water and improved sanitation.
- Implementing the SAFE strategy promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes:
- Treatment:
- Antibiotics, especially azithromycin, are effective in treating early-stage infections.
- Surgery is required for severe cases where the eyelashes have turned inward to prevent corneal damage and preserve vision.
Efforts for Eradication:
WHO has set a goal to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem globally, with significant progress made in some regions. However, challenges persist in areas with poor access to water, sanitation, and healthcare resources.
