Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Trachoma
Hugh R Taylor1, Matthew J Burton2, Danny Haddad3
1Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
Insights
Trachoma, a leading infectious cause of blindness, is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The SAFE Strategy combats this disease through surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of preventable blindness globally.
- Childhood Chlamydia trachomatis infections cause conjunctival inflammation and scarring, leading to trichiasis (inturned eyelashes).
- Inadequate hygiene in resource-poor settings facilitates disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and control of trachoma.
- To highlight the effectiveness of the SAFE Strategy in trachoma elimination efforts.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and pathophysiological data on trachoma.
- Description of the integrated SAFE Strategy components: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement.
Main Results:
- The SAFE Strategy has proven successful in eliminating trachoma in multiple countries.
- Global initiatives are actively working towards the worldwide elimination of blinding trachoma.
Conclusions:
- Integrated control programs utilizing the SAFE Strategy are effective in combating trachoma.
- Continued global efforts are essential to achieve the goal of eliminating blinding trachoma by 2020.
Abstract:
Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness. Repeated episodes of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in childhood lead to severe conjunctival inflammation, scarring, and potentially blinding inturned eyelashes (trichiasis or entropion) in later life. Trachoma occurs in resource-poor areas with inadequate hygiene, where children with unclean faces share infected ocular secretions. Much has been learnt about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of trachoma. Integrated control programmes are implementing the SAFE Strategy: surgery for trichiasis, mass distribution of antibiotics, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. This strategy has successfully eliminated trachoma in several countries and global efforts are underway to eliminate blinding trachoma worldwide by 2020.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Glaucoma: Overview
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
Microbiome of the Eye

