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Reduction and Return of Infectious Trachoma in Severely Affected Communities in Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Takele Lakew
  • Jenafir House
  • Kevin C Hong
  • Elizabeth Yi
  • Wondu Alemayehu
  • Muluken Melese
  • Zhaoxia Zhou
  • Kathryn Ray
  • Stephanie Chin
  • Emmanuel Romero
  • Jeremy Keenan
  • John P Whitcher
  • Bruce D Gaynor
  • Thomas M Lietman

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are a major tool in the WHO's trachoma control program. Even a single mass distribution reduces the prevalence of the ocular chlamydia that causes trachoma. Unfortunately, infection returns after a single treatment, at least in severely affected areas. Here, we test whether additional scheduled treatments further reduce infection, and whether infection returns after distributions are discontinued. Methods: Sixteen communities in Ethiopia were randomly selected. Ocular chlamydial infection in 1- to 5-year-old children was monitored over four biannual azithromycin distributions and for 24 months after the last treatment. Findings: The average prevalence of infection in 1- to 5-year-old children was reduced from 63.5% pre-treatment to 11.5% six months after the first distribution (P

Suggested Citation

  • Takele Lakew & Jenafir House & Kevin C Hong & Elizabeth Yi & Wondu Alemayehu & Muluken Melese & Zhaoxia Zhou & Kathryn Ray & Stephanie Chin & Emmanuel Romero & Jeremy Keenan & John P Whitcher & Bruce , 2009. "Reduction and Return of Infectious Trachoma in Severely Affected Communities in Ethiopia," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(2), pages 1-7, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pntd00:0000376
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000376
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