Trachoma – Key Points

Trachoma – Key Points

Introduction

• Definition: A chronic
  infectious eye disease caused by
  Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Transmission: Spread
  through direct contact with infected secretions, contaminated objects, and
  flies.
• Symptoms: Eye redness,
  irritation, discharge, photophobia, and progressive corneal scarring.
• Complications: Corneal
  opacity, trichiasis (inward-growing eyelashes), and blindness.
• Epidemiology: Leading cause
  of infectious blindness globally, prevalent in poor hygiene and low-income
  regions.

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Stages of Trachoma (WHO Grading System)

1. TF (Trachomatous Inflammation – Follicular): Presence of five or more follicles (>0.5 mm) in the upper tarsal
   conjunctiva.
2. TI (Trachomatous Inflammation – Intense): Thickened, inflamed upper tarsal conjunctiva with pronounced redness.
3. TS (Trachomatous Scarring):
   Visible scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva.
4. TT (Trachomatous Trichiasis): Inturned eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball.
5. CO (Corneal Opacity):
   Opacity leading to significant visual impairment or blindness.

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SAFE Strategy for Trachoma Control
(WHO)

1. S – Surgery: For
   trichiasis to prevent corneal damage.
2. A – Antibiotics: To treat
   active infection and reduce transmission.
3. F – Facial cleanliness:
   Encouraging hygiene to prevent spread.
4. E – Environmental improvement: Ensuring clean water supply and sanitation.

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Antibiotics for Trachoma

1. Azithromycin (preferred
   drug)

   • Dose:
     • Adults: 1 g orally, single dose
     • Children: 20 mg/kg (maximum 1 g), single dose
   • Duration: Single-dose treatment, repeated annually in endemic areas.

2. Tetracycline (1%) ophthalmic ointment

   • Dose: Apply to both eyes twice daily
   • Duration: 6 weeks

3. Erythromycin
   (alternative to azithromycin)

   • Dose:
     • Adults: 500 mg orally twice daily
     • Children: 12.5 mg/kg orally four times daily
   • Duration: 14 days

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“@type”: “Question”,
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“acceptedAnswer”: {
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“text”: “TF (Trachomatous Inflammation – Follicular): Presence of five or more follicles (>0.5 mm) in the upper tarsal conjunctiva.
TI (Trachomatous Inflammation – Intense): Thickened, inflamed upper tarsal conjunctiva with pronounced redness.
TS (Trachomatous Scarring): Visible scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva.
TT (Trachomatous Trichiasis): Inturned eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball.
CO (Corneal Opacity): Opacity leading to significant visual impairment or blindness.
Mnemonic is FISTO.”
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A – Antibiotics: To treat active infection and reduce transmission.
F – Facial cleanliness: Encouraging hygiene to prevent spread.
E – Environmental improvement: Ensuring clean water supply and sanitation.”
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