About Trachoma
Trachoma is an eye infection caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is primarily spread through contact with infected eye discharge or nose or throat secretion, or by flies that have come into contact with the discharge.
The non-modifiable risk factors of trachoma are factors that cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Age: Trachoma can occur at any age. It is most common in children in areas with high rates of trachoma.
- Sex: Trachoma more commonly affects females than males.
Modifiable risk factors are factors than can possibly be changed or controlled. These include:
- Poor hygiene practices: Not washing the face daily or not using soap during face washing can increase the risk of developing active trachoma.
- Presence of flies in the house: Flies can carry and spread bacteria, including Chlamydia trachomatis. Having flies present in the house increases the risk of infection.
- Household size: Having more than two children in a household has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for active trachoma. In general, people living in crowded living conditions have a greater chance of spreading infection.
- Environmental factors: Lack of access to proper sanitation facilities, such as toilets, or having human excreta near homes, increases the likelihood of active trachoma.
- Housing conditions: Certain housing conditions, such as grassed and thatched house roofs, have been associated with an increased risk of active trachoma.
Trachoma is an eye infection that can lead to scarring complications and blindness if left untreated. Symptoms of trachoma include:
- Thickening or tightening of the eyelids
- Pulling of the eyelashes into the eyelid
- Itching of the eyes and eyelid
- Thick (mucus or pus) eye discharge
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
As trachoma progresses or becomes more severe, vision becomes impaired and may lead to blindness.
To diagnose trachoma, several examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed. These include:
- Eye examination: A trained healthcare professional examines both eyes of the person using a magnification tool called a binocular loupe and a torch. They look for clinical signs of trachoma, such as inflammation and scarring of the conjunctiva.
- Swab sample collection: A swab of eye discharge is taken from the upper right conjunctiva. This swab is used to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria responsible for trachoma.
In addition to these common examinations and tests, there are additional procedures that can be performed to determine the severity of trachoma:
- Detailed ophthalmic examination: Eye specialists perform a thorough examination using tools like an ophthalmoscope, pentorch, and binocular loupe with magnifying power. They look for specific clinical signs of trachoma, including intense inflammation (TI), follicular inflammation (TF), conjunctival scarring (TS), trichiasis (TT), and corneal opacity (CO).
- Eyelid eversion: The healthcare professional may use an aseptic technique with cotton tip applicators and alcohol to turn out the eyelids for better visualization during the examination.
- Conjunctival scraping: In some cases, conjunctival scraping may be performed on individuals who show clinical signs of trachoma. The collected material is sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis.
It's important to note that these examinations, tests, and procedures are conducted by trained healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and determine the severity of trachoma. If you suspect you have trachoma or have any concerns, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.
The goals of treatment for Trachoma are to reduce the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children and the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in adults. Here are the different types of treatments and interventions recommended to achieve these goals:
Medication:
- Antibiotics: Mass treatment with azithromycin is recommended for all residents of endemic districts. Azithromycin is a medication that can clear ocular chlamydia trachomatis infection with one oral dose. It is effective in reducing transmission in the community by treating the pool of infection.
Therapeutic procedures:
- Surgery for trichiasis: Trichiasis is a condition where the eyelashes turn inward and rub against the eye, causing damage. Surgery may be performed to correct this condition and prevent further damage to the cornea and vision loss.
The healthcare professional may recommend other treatments based on individual factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Medication side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.
Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Over time, if left untreated, trachoma can progress and lead to blindness.
Natural Progression of Trachoma:
- In the early stages, trachoma causes inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid.
- If left untreated, repeated infections can lead to scarring of the conjunctiva and inner eyelid. This scarring is known as trachomatous scarring.
- Trachomatous scarring can cause the eyelashes to turn inward, leading to a condition called trichiasis. In trichiasis, the eyelashes rub against the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), causing pain, discomfort, and potentially vision loss.
- In severe cases, trachoma can lead to corneal opacity, where the cornea becomes cloudy and vision is significantly impaired.
It's important to note that early diagnoses and treatment are crucial for managing trachoma, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations tailored to individual needs.