Elimination of active trachoma after two topical mass treatments with azithromycin 1.5% eye drops.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Following an epidemiological study carried out in 2006 showing a high prevalence of blinding trachoma in the Far North Region of Cameroon, a trachoma elimination programme using the SAFE strategy was initiated: three yearly trachoma mass treatments were to be performed.

Methodology/principal findings

The entire district population (120,000 persons) was treated with azithromycin 1.5% eye drops in February 2008 and January 2009. To assess the effect of treatment on the prevalence of active trachoma, three epidemiological studies were conducted on a representative sample of children aged between 1 and 10 years. The first study was performed just prior to the first treatment, the second just prior to the 2nd treatment and the third one, one year later. The prevalence

SUBMITTER: Amza A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2990706 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature