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Conjunctivitis due to chlamydia trachomatis - Trachoma

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It is a bacterial infection due to Chlamydia trachomatis, which affects the conjunctiva and eyelids. It is more common in rural areas of developing countries. It is contracted due to contact with a contaminated surface (clothing, hands, etc.) or due to a nose and throat infection. It causes the eye to water and become red and inflamed. A culture of the secretions ensures the diagnosis. If it is not treated quickly with antibiotics, it may have disastrous consequences and require surgery. In endemic areas, it is important to wash your hands and face well to prevent infection.
Bibliographic references
  1. Jeanne Marrazzo. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections. UpToDate. Nov 05, 2015.
  2. Heathcote R Wright, Hugh R Taylor, Emily O'Kearney. Overview of trachoma. UpToDate. Oct 27, 2016.
  3. Global Atlas of Trachoma. Trachoma Atlas. Georgia, 2016. http://www.trachomaatlas.org/ Last access Dec 9, 2016.
  4. Negrel AD, Taylor HR, West S. Guidelines for the rapid assessment for blinding trachoma. World Health Organization and International Trachoma Initiative, Geneva 2001. http://www.who.int/blindness/TRA-ENGLISH.pdf
  5. Ejere HO, Alhassan MB, Rabiu M. Face washing promotion for preventing active trachoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; :CD003659.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Swollen lymph node towards the front part of the ear

    Slight eye watering

    Corneal vascular network

    Cornea is not very transparent

    Redness in only one eye

Symptoms to watch out for

Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment
Loss of vision
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Stop using contact lenses.
Use of artificial tears or antihistamine eye drops.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of antibiotics.
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