Serological and PCR-based markers of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis transmission in northern Ghana after elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is based on clinical indicators, using the WHO simplified grading system. Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection and anti-Ct antibody responses (anti-Pgp3) have both been evaluated as alternative indicators in settings with varying levels of trachoma. There is a need to evaluate the feasibility of using tests for Ct infection and anti-Pgp3 antibodies at scale in a trachoma-endemic country and to establish the added value of the data generated for understanding transmission dynamics in the peri-elimination setting. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Dried blood spots for serological testing and ocular swabs for Ct infection testing (taken from children aged 1-9 years) were integrated into the pre-validation trachoma surve

SUBMITTER: Senyonjo LG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6310292 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature