By ULY CLINIC
Trachoma
Introduction
It is a chronic conjunctivitis caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (bacteria). It is one of the commonest causes of blindness worldwide. There is a chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva leading to scarring of the upper eyelid tarsal plate, entropion and in turn of eyelashes.
Diagnostic Criteria
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Patients presents with photophobia in early stages or re-infection
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Follicles in the upper tarsal plate seen as round and white nodules in active diagnostic.
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In late stages, in-turned eyelashes rub on the cornea leading to corneal ulcers
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Loss of vision due to Corneal scarring.
Clinical Stages
Clinical Stages according to World Health Organization
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Trachomatous Inflammation Follicular (TF) - Presence of at least 5 follicles on the upper tarsal plate
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Trachomatous Inflammation Intense (TI) – There is intense inflammation, the conjunctival blood vessels cannot be seen.
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Trachomatous Scarring (TS) – Presence of white scars in the upper tarsal plate
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Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) – Presence of some eye lashes rubbing against the cornea
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Corneal Opacity (CO) – Presence of corneal opacity (scar) affecting the central cornea
Non-Pharmacological Treatment
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Face washing and total body hygiene to prevent transmission of disease from one person to the other
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Environmental improvement/hygiene
Pharmacological Treatment
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Oxytetracycline ointment 3% once a day for 6 weeks
OR
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Azithromycin 1g as a single dose for adults- for preventive chemotherapy in mass treatment campaign
Dosage of azithromycin in children
