Effectiveness of expanding annual mass azithromycin distribution treatment coverage for trachoma in Niger: a cluster randomised trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

The WHO recommends 3-5 years of annual mass azithromycin distribution with at least 80% treatment coverage to districts with active trachoma prevalence over 10% among children. Here, we assess the efficacy of expanding the coverage target to at least 90% for trachoma control in a mesoendemic region of Niger.

Methods

Twenty-four communities were randomised to a single day of azithromycin distribution with a coverage target of 80% of the community or up to 4 days of treatment, aiming for greater than 90% coverage. Distributions were annual and individuals above 6 months of age were treated. Children under 5 years of age were monitored for ocular chlamydia infection and active trachoma.

Results

At baseline, ocular chlamydia prevalence was 20.5% (95% CI 9.

SUBMITTER: Amza A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5845832 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature