Trachoma

Question 1

Features

It is the most common cause of blindness in the world. It is important to start control of the infection in childhood as outlined above.

Answer 1

Acute infection resembles acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis (trachoma) is encountered in three common situations:

1. neonatal infection (first 1–2 wks)
2. young patient with associated venereal disease
3. isolated Indigenous people with trachoma

Prevalent in outback areas and in the Indigenous population.

transmitted by human contact and by flies, esp. where hygiene is inadequate.

It is the most common cause of blindness in the world.

It is important to start control of the infection in childhood

Question 2

Management

Answer 2

Take swabs for culture and PCR testing.

Systemic antibiotic treatment:

Neonates:

• azithromycin 20 mg/kg (o) daily for 3 d

Adults (and children >6 kg):

• azithromycin 1g (o) as single dose

Partner must be treated in cases of STI.