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Elimination of blinding trachoma
Julius Schachter1, Chandler R Dawson
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 94110, USA. jsch@itsa.ucsf.edu
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|April 11, 2003
Summary
Mass oral azithromycin treatment is effective for eliminating blinding trachoma. This approach, part of the SAFE strategy, shows lasting results and significant reductions in infection prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Trachoma remains a significant public health problem, causing blindness globally.
- Previous control programs using topical tetracycline had limited long-term success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss a major initiative aimed at eliminating blinding trachoma.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of mass oral azithromycin treatment.
Main Methods:
- Community-wide treatment with a short course of oral azithromycin.
- Comparison with long courses of topical tetracycline.
- Implementation of the 'SAFE' strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Face washing, Environment).
Main Results:
- Oral azithromycin is as effective as topical tetracycline in reducing trachoma and chlamydial infection.
- Beneficial effects of azithromycin last over a year.
- Regional application of the SAFE strategy in Morocco reduced trachoma activity by over 70%.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating blinding trachoma is an achievable goal.
- Further research is needed on optimal azithromycin use and environmental improvements.
- Key questions remain regarding treatment frequency, evaluation, and retreatment strategies.