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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
Published on: July 5, 2017
Conjunctival impression cytology in trachoma
Anshu1, Nitin Gangane, V R Venkataramanan
1Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Conjunctival impression cytology is a simple, inexpensive method to help diagnose trachoma, a leading cause of blindness. This technique, showing specific cellular changes and inclusions, shows promise for screening trachoma in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness globally.
- Clinical examination is the standard diagnostic method for trachoma.
- There is a need for simple, cost-effective screening tools in endemic areas.
Observation:
- Conjunctival impression cytology was used to diagnose trachoma in two cases.
- A modified technique improved patient compliance and sample quality.
- Cytological smears revealed squamous metaplasia and goblet cell loss.
Findings:
- Cells exhibited a hazy, moth-eaten cytoplasm with intracytoplasmic inclusions.
- Basophilic inclusions, approximately 5 µm in diameter, were observed both intracellularly and extracellularly.
- These cytological findings aided in confirming trachoma diagnosis.
Implications:
- Conjunctival impression cytology is a potentially valuable, simple diagnostic tool.
- This method warrants further evaluation for large-scale trachoma screening programs.
- Improved screening could lead to earlier detection and intervention for trachoma.
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