Trachoma Prevalence in Al Rahad Locality, Sudan: Evaluating Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Prevalence as a...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness globally.
• Sudan has a high burden of trachoma, necessitating control efforts.
• Mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin is a key strategy for trachoma elimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of clinical trachoma signs and ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Al Rahad locality, Sudan, after azithromycin MDA.
• To assess the impact of MDA on trachoma endemicity.
• To evaluate the utility of Chlamydia trachomatis infection as a complementary indicator for trachoma programs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, cluster-random sampling survey was conducted in 2017.
• Certified graders assessed participants for clinical signs of trachoma.
• Ocular swabs were collected from children for DNA testing to detect Chlamydia trachomatis.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) was 6.3%, remaining above the 5% elimination threshold.
• The prevalence of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 0.8%.
• Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found to be clustered in areas with high TF prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Despite three rounds of azithromycin MDA, trachoma prevalence in Al Rahad locality remained above the elimination target.
• The continued presence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection indicates ongoing transmission.
• Integrating molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis into trachoma surveillance can provide a more comprehensive understanding of disease endemicity and program effectiveness.