Transcript Trachoma
TRACHOMA Grace Lloyd Did you know.. • More than 8 million people are visually impaired or blind as a result of Trachoma. 2005 Statistics from International Trachoma Initiative www.trachoma.org Did you know.. • More than 8 million people are visually impaired or blind as a result of Trachoma. • Over 84 million have active disease. 2005 Statistics from International Trachoma Initiative www.trachoma.org Did you know.. • More than 8 million people are visually impaired or blind as a result of Trachoma. • Over 84 million have active disease. • It is completely treatable. 2005 Statistics from International Trachoma Initiative www.trachoma.org Did you know.. • More than 8 million people are visually impaired or blind as a result of Trachoma. • Over 84 million have active disease. – 75% of these are children • It is completely treatable. • WHO predicts that more than 150 million people are in need of treatment 2005 Statistics from International Trachoma Initiative www.trachoma.org So what is it? Defined as “a chronic, contagious infection of the conjunctiva and cornea, characterized by the formation of granulations and scarring, and caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.” World Health Organization – Trachoma 2005 A Look at the Bacteria… How it’s Spread The eye-seeking fly Musca sorbens aggressively feeds on ocular and nasal discharges And, these discharges may contain… Chlamydia trachomatis! How it’s Spread Person-to-Person: DIRECT contact with eye, throat, and nose secretions OR contact with inanimate objects that have had direct contact How it Affects the Body • Early symptoms similar to conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) and – This inflammation is called “active trachoma” and mostly seen in children Trachoma Symptoms.. • Also include structural changes: – Scarring in eye lid • Leads to distortion of lid – This leads to Trichiasis! (turned in eyelashes) – Blood vessels and scar tissue invades the upper cornea Trichiasis • Later stage of Trachoma – Eyelashes turn inwards and rub on the cornea Standard Antibiotic • Topical tetracycline ointment – Twice a day for 5 days – Once a month – For 6 months OR •Azithromycin •Single oral dose (As recommended by WHO) How Azithromycin Works • Inhibits protein synthesis of the bacteria How Azithromycin Works • Inhibits protein synthesis of the bacteria Since it is a single oral dose for treating trachoma, DOT can be enforced WHO “SAFE” Approach • • • • Lid Surgery Antibiotics Clean Faces Environmental Changes 2020 Goal • 1998 WHO goal of eliminating trachoma by year 2020. 2020 Goal • 1998 WHO goal of eliminating trachoma by year 2020. • People affected fallen from 360 million in 1985 to ~80 million today