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Chlamydia trachomatis bacterial infection that affects the eye's conjunctiva and eyelids. It is more common in rural areas of developing countries.
It is contracted due to contact with a contaminated surface (clothes, hands, etc.) or due to a prolonged nose and throat infection. In endemic areas is important to wash one's hands and face thoroughly to avoid its transmission.
Its manifestations are a red, inflamed eye with abundant tearing.
Diagnosis is reached clinically through the patient's questioning and an examination of the eye. A culture of the secretions ensures the diagnosis.
It should be treated early with antibiotics to avoid severe complications that may require surgery.
- Jeanne Marrazzo. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections. UpToDate. Nov 05, 2015.
- Heathcote R Wright, Hugh R Taylor, Emily O'Kearney. Overview of trachoma. UpToDate. Oct 27, 2016.
- Global Atlas of Trachoma. Trachoma Atlas. Georgia, 2016. http://www.trachomaatlas.org/ Last access Dec 9, 2016.
- 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
- Ejere HO, Alhassan MB, Rabiu M. Face washing promotion for preventing active trachoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; :CD003659.
Dr. Sara Vitoria
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