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Clinical and etiological studies of chlamydial conjunctivitis in Sapporo, Japan
1Aoki Eye Clinic, Sapporo, Japan.
Insights
Chlamydia trachomatis caused 21.5% of conjunctivitis cases in Sapporo, Japan, particularly in newborns and young adults. Antibody presence before symptoms suggests prenatal or early exposure in chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection.
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a significant cause of conjunctivitis globally.
- Understanding transmission and detection is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis in conjunctivitis cases in Sapporo, Japan.
- To identify high-risk age groups for chlamydial conjunctivitis.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods and antibody presence in relation to symptom onset.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 284 conjunctivitis cases over 4 years.
- Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis using tissue culture.
- Detection of specific IgG and IgA antibodies in patient sera and tears.
- Comparison of tissue culture with Micro Trak direct fluorescence antibody test.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia trachomatis was identified in 21.5% (61/284) of conjunctivitis cases.
- Highest frequencies observed in neonates and the 20-29 year-old age group.
- Neonatal conjunctivitis cases suggest transmission during delivery.
- Antibodies were detected prior to the onset of conjunctivitis symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a notable cause of conjunctivitis in Sapporo, with specific demographic predispositions.
- Early antibody detection indicates potential prenatal or perinatal transmission.
- While tissue culture is sensitive, direct fluorescence antibody testing offers practicality for diagnosis.
Abstract:
Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated from 21.5% (61/284 cases) of the patients with conjunctivitis seen in an eye clinic in Sapporo, Japan, during a recent 4-year period. The frequency was the highest in newborn babies and the 20- to 29-year-old age group. The early incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis suggested that transmission had occurred at delivery. Isolation by tissue culture is the most sensitive method for detection of this condition but the Micro Trak direct fluorescence antibody test is more practical. The detection of a specific IgG antibody and IgA antibody against chlamydia in human sera and in tears showed that patients with chlamydial conjunctivitis had the antibody before the onset of conjunctivitis.