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[Trachoma rapid assessment in the infantile population of Togo]
Insights
Active trachoma remains a public health concern in central Togo, affecting nearly 6% of children aged 1-9 years. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to control this infectious eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health
Context:
- Trachoma is a leading infectious cause of blindness globally.
- Central Togo faces challenges in controlling endemic infectious diseases.
- Previous trachoma control efforts in the region require updated prevalence data.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and types of active trachoma in children in central Togo.
- To assess the burden of trachoma in specific age groups (1-5 and 6-9 years).
- To inform public health strategies for trachoma elimination.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study examined 8,200 children (aged 1-9 years) in central Togo.
- Active trachoma prevalence was 5.83% in 1-5 year olds and 6.18% in 6-9 year olds.
- Overall active trachoma prevalence was 5.94%, indicating a persistent public health issue.
Impact:
- The findings confirm the continued presence of active trachoma in central Togo.
- Trachoma poses a significant public health problem in the Blitta and Sotouboua districts.
- Results support the need for population-based surveys before implementing the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement).
Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of trachoma in children of central Togo.
Materials And Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional investigation was conducted in central Togo in November 2009. At every peripheral health unit (PHU) in 2 villages of the sanitary district, 15 schoolchildren between 6 and 9 years old and 35 children from the community between 1 and 5 years old were examined to detect signs of trachoma using a lamp wipes coupled with binocular magnifying loupes (2.5X). Data were analysed with Excel 2007.
Results:
A total of 8200 children were examined at 82 PHU in 164 villages in the sanitary districts. In the 1-5 year age group including 5,740 children, follicular trachomatous inflammation (TF) was observed in 326 cases and intense trachomatous inflammation (TI) in 9 for a prevalence rate of 5.83%. In the 6-9 year age group including 2,460 schoolchildren, TF was observed in 144 and TI in 8 for a prevalence rate of 6.18%. The overall prevalence rate of active trachoma was 5.94 % (n = 487).
Conclusion:
This study confirms the persistence of active trachoma in children in central Togo. Trachoma may be public health problem in 2 districts: Blitta and Sotouboua. A population-based survey will be carried our to evaluate trachoma prevalence prior to implementation of the SAFE strategy in this region.
