PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jun 14;11(6):e0005658. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

Background: In order to decrease the prevalence of trachoma within the country, the Republic of South Sudan has implemented components of the SAFE strategy in various counties since 2001. Five counties in Eastern Equatoria state were surveyed in order to monitor progress of programmatic interventions and determine if additional rounds of Mass Drug Administration with azithromycin were needed.

Methodology/ Principal Findings: Five counties (Budi, Lafon, Kapoeta East, Kapoeta South and Kapoeta North) were surveyed from April to October 2015. Read More

Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017 Jun 9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Indigenous Eye Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Importance: Australia is the only developed country to still have pockets of endemic trachoma. The research provides up-to-date, population-based prevalence data of later complications of trachoma amongst a national sample of Indigenous adults.

Background: To report the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in Indigenous Australians aged 40 years and over. Read More

J Fr Ophtalmol 2017 Jun 31;40(6):453-459. Epub 2017 May 31.

Service d'ophtalmologie adulte, hôpital 20-Août-1953, CHU Ibn Rochd, quartier des hôpitaux, Casablanca, Maroc.

Introduction: The goal of this study is to assess functional and aesthetic results of anterior lamellar resection with lid margin splitting of the upper lid in the treatment of cicatricial trachomatous entropion.

Patients And Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of a series of 26 consecutive patients treated between January 2014 and December 2015. All patients were operated for cicatricial trachomatous entropion in our tertiary center using the technique of the anterior lamellar resection with lid margin splitting of the upper eyelid. Read More

Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 May 24. Epub 2017 May 24.

Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Purpose: To describe the use of Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) device in the management of complex oculoplastic pathology.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of individuals over 18 years of age who were referred and successfully fit with the PROSE scleral device between January 1995 and June 2015.

Results: Nine cases were identified that had complex oculoplastic disease and severe corneal surface disease. Read More

Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 May 22. Epub 2017 May 22.

*Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, †Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, ‡Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, and §Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A.

Purpose: To describe the role and efficacy of scleral contact lenses (SCLs) in the treatment of progressive keratopathy in patients who have undergone periocular surgical procedures, to investigate the financial impact of these surgical interventions, and to demonstrate the role of oculoplastic surgery in improving scleral contact lens fit.

Methods: A retrospective medical record review was performed to identify patients who both received SCLs and were examined by the oculoplastics service at the University of Iowa between January 1990 and December 2015. Inclusion criteria also required a minimum of 12 months of patient follow up after being fit with a SCL. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2017 May 22:1-11. Epub 2017 May 22.

b Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Background: Trachoma, a leading cause of blindness, is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem by 2020. In order to contribute to this goal, countries should demonstrate reduction of disease prevalence below specified thresholds, after implementation of the SAFE strategy in areas with defined endemicity. Zimbabwe had not yet generated data on trachoma endemicity and no specific interventions against trachoma have yet been implemented. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2017 Aug 25;24(4):265-273. Epub 2017 Apr 25.

a National Control Program of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health , Benin.

Aims: We sought to evaluate trachoma prevalence in all suspected-endemic areas of Benin.

Methods: We conducted population-based surveys covering 26 districts grouped into 11 evaluation units (EUs), using a two-stage, systematic and random, cluster sampling design powered at EU level. In each EU, 23 villages were systematically selected with population proportional to size; 30 households were selected from each village using compact segment sampling. Read More

Ophthalmology 2017 Apr 21. Epub 2017 Apr 21.

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Purpose: Unfavorable outcomes after trachomatous trichiasis (TT) surgery are undermining the global trachoma elimination effort. This analysis investigates predictors of postoperative TT (PTT), eyelid contour abnormalities (ECAs), and granuloma in the 2 most common TT surgery procedures: posterior lamellar tarsal rotation (PLTR) and bilamellar tarsal rotation (BLTR).

Design: Secondary data analysis from a randomized, controlled, single-masked clinical trial. Read More

Indian J Ophthalmol 2017 Feb;65(2):97-102

Section of Ocular Microbiology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intraocular bacteria causing trachoma, adult and neonatal inclusion conjunctivitis, was the leading cause of blindness in the last century worldwide. Improvement in socioeconomic and living conditions, availability of antibiotics, and introduction of National Trachoma Control Programmes reduced the prevalence in developed countries, but it persisted in resource-poor settings of Africa and Asia, including India. In 2016, as per the WHO report, trachoma is restricted to 42 countries, causing blindness/visual impairment in ~1. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2017 Mar 13;10(1):143. Epub 2017 Mar 13.

Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK.

Background: Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection causes trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness. A Ct D/UW3 proteome microarray and sera from Gambian adults with trachomatous trichiasis (TT) or healthy matched controls previously identified several novel antigens, which suggested differential recognition in adults with TT.

Methods: We re-analysed this serological microarray data using more robust microarray analysis techniques accounting for typical problems associated with highly dimensional data. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2017 Jun 28;24(3):195-203. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

l Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases , World Health Organization , Geneva , Switzerland.

Purpose: We sought to determine the prevalence of trachoma in 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Nigeria.

Methods: A population-based prevalence survey was conducted in each Kano LGA. We used a two-stage systematic and quasi-random sampling strategy to select 25 households from each of 25 clusters in each LGA. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Feb 10;11(2):e0005388. Epub 2017 Feb 10.

Wellcome Trust Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom.

Background: Rural populations in low-income countries commonly suffer from the co-morbidity of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Podoconiosis, trachomatous trichiasis (both NTDs) and cataract are common causes of morbidity among subsistence farmers in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. We explored whether podoconiosis was associated with cataract or trachomatous trichiasis (TT) among this population. Read More

BMC Ophthalmol 2017 Jan 31;17(1). Epub 2017 Jan 31.

State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yanerdao Road, 266071, Qingdao, China.

Background: The therapeutic effects of allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) for symblephara at different degrees caused by ocular burns were evaluated in this study.

Methods: A series of interventional cases were involved in this retrospective study. Eighty eyes (80 patients) with symblephara underwent CLET and the success rates of surgical treatment as well as corneal conditions and risk factors for recurrent symblepharon were analyzed. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jan 23;11(1):e0005277. Epub 2017 Jan 23.

Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: The WHO definition of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is "at least one eyelash touching the globe, or evidence of recent epilation of in-turned eyelashes", reflecting the fact that epilation is used as a self-management tool for TT. In Fiji's Western Division, a high TT prevalence (8.7% in those aged ≥15 years) was reported in a 2012 survey, yet a 2013 survey found no TT and Fijian ophthalmologists rarely see TT cases. Read More

Front Public Health 2016 19;4:276. Epub 2016 Dec 19.

Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University , Brisbane, QLD , Australia.

Background: Routine eye and vision assessments are vital for the detection and subsequent management of vision loss, which is particularly important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who face higher rates of vision loss than other Australians. In order to guide improvements, this paper will describe patterns, variations, and gaps in these eye and vision assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Methods: Clinical audits from 124 primary healthcare centers (sample size 15,175) from five Australian states and territories were conducted during 2005-2012. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jan 4;11(1):e0005211. Epub 2017 Jan 4.

Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.

Background: Trachomatous trichiasis (TT), inturned eyelashes from repeated infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Though surgery will correct entropion caused by trachoma, uptake of TT surgery remains low. In this case-control study, we identify barriers that prevent TT patients from receiving sight-saving surgery. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 12;23(sup1):15-21. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

b Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: We sought to complete the baseline trachoma map of the Solomon Islands by establishing prevalences of active trachoma and trichiasis in the provinces of Choiseul, Western, Rennell-Bellona, and Temotu.

Methods: Using the standardized methodology developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we conducted cross-sectional community-based surveys from September to November 2013. Choiseul and Western provinces were each mapped as separate evaluation units (EUs); Rennell-Bellona and Temotu were combined to form a third EU. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 5;23(sup1):70-76. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

b Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: Trachoma is a major cause of blindness in Ethiopia, and targeted for elimination as a public health problem by the year 2020. Prevalence data are needed to plan interventions. We set out to estimate the prevalence of trachoma in each evaluation unit of grouped districts ("woredas") in Benishangul Gumuz region, Ethiopia. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 5;23(sup1):94-99. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

c Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of trachoma in each district ("woreda") of Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

Methods: We conducted 11 cross-sectional community-based surveys in evaluation units covering 34 rural woredas from January to March 2013 using the standardized methodology developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.

Results: Teams visited 8034 households in 275 villages. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 5;23(sup1):84-93. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

b Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: We sought to estimate the prevalence of trachoma at sufficiently fine resolution to allow elimination interventions to begin, where required, in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia.

Methods: We carried out cross-sectional population-based surveys in 14 rural zones. A 2-stage cluster randomized sampling technique was used. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 5;23(sup1):46-54. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

k Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Introduction: To prepare for global elimination of trachoma by 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mapping of trachoma at district-level to enable planning of elimination activities in affected populations. The aim of our study was to provide data on trachoma for each local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria, as such data were previously unavailable.

Method: As part of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP), a population-based cross-sectional trachoma survey was conducted in each of the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State, between May and June 2013. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 5;23(sup1):63-69. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

j Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachoma in each of the 25 local government areas (LGAs) of Niger State, Nigeria.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each Niger State LGA between March and April 2014, as part of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP). GTMP protocols were used in planning and conduct of the surveys. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 5;23(sup1):77-83. Epub 2016 Dec 5.

b Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: In Ethiopia, trachoma is a major public health problem, accounting for 11.5% of all cases of blindness. In Gambella, one of the country's most remote regions, the 2005-2006 National Survey of Blindness, Low Vision and Trachoma estimated a region-level prevalence of active trachoma of 19. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 28;23(sup1):22-31. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

c Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: We sought to determine the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 years, and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in those aged ≥15 years, in suspected trachoma-endemic areas of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Methods: We carried out six population-based prevalence surveys using the protocol developed as part of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.

Results: A total of 19,013 individuals were sampled for inclusion, with 15,641 (82. Read More

Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2016 Nov 15. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

*Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center; and †Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Purpose: To report the long-term stability of tarsal margin rotation and posterior lamellar superadvancement (TMR PLS) for the repair of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed from January 2000 through December 2014 to identify all patients who had TMR PLS at the authors' institution. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, recurrence of entropion or trichiasis, and surgical complications. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 15;23(sup1):39-45. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

l Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trichiasis in each of the 20 local government areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Methods: We undertook a population-based prevalence survey in each LGA in Bauchi State, employing the Global Trachoma Mapping Project methodology. We used a 2-stage, systematic and quasi-random sampling strategy. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 15;23(sup1):8-14. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

d Department of Clinical Research , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: Population-based prevalence surveys were undertaken to determine whether trachoma is a public health problem in Laos requiring implementation of the SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, environmental improvement).

Methods: The country was divided into 19 evaluation units (EUs), each containing a population of roughly 100,000-350,000 people. Of these, 16 were believed most likely to harbor trachoma (based on historical evidence), and were mapped using the Global Trachoma Mapping Project methods. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 Dec;23(6):381-391

c Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To complete the baseline trachoma map of Sudan by estimating the prevalence of trachoma and associated risk factors in the five Darfur States and Khartoum State.

Methods: Using a standardized methodology developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we undertook a cross sectional, community-based survey in each of 32 evaluation units (EUs) covering all accessible districts.

Results: We enumerated a total of 84,568 individuals, with 73,489 people (86. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 Dec 7;23(6):392-405. Epub 2016 Nov 7.

b Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To complete the baseline trachoma map in Oromia, Ethiopia, by determining prevalences of trichiasis and trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) at evaluation unit (EU) level, covering all districts (woredas) without current prevalence data or active control programs, and to identify factors associated with disease.

Methods: Using standardized methodologies and training developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we conducted cross-sectional community-based surveys from December 2012 to July 2014.

Results: Teams visited 46,244 households in 2037 clusters from 252 woredas (79 EUs). Read More

Turk J Ophthalmol 2015 Oct 5;45(5):203-207. Epub 2015 Oct 5.

Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir, Turkey.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical findings and outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with marginal entropion.

Materials And Methods: Patients with impairment of the natural square-shaped eyelid margin morphology, anterior migration of mucocutaneous junction and mild lid inversion toward the ocular surface were diagnosed as having marginal entropion. Patients with shortened fornices, cicatricial changes or subconjunctival fibrosis were excluded. Read More

PLoS One 2016 28;11(10):e0165480. Epub 2016 Oct 28.

Duke Global Health Institute and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America.

Background: Understanding the economic value of health interventions is essential for policy makers to make informed resource allocation decisions. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize available information on the economic impact of children's surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: We searched MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase, and Web of Science for relevant articles published between Jan. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 24;23(sup1):55-62. Epub 2016 Oct 24.

k Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To determine the local government area (LGA)-level prevalence of trachoma in all 34 LGAs of Katsina State.

Methods: A population-based prevalence survey was conducted in each LGA of Katsina State, using the Global Trachoma Mapping Project methodology. We used a 3-stage cluster random sampling strategy to select 25 households from each of 25 clusters. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 Dec 24;23(6):373-380. Epub 2016 Oct 24.

i RTI International , Dar es Salaam , Tanzania.

Purpose: Following surveys in 2004-2006 in 50 high-risk districts of mainland Tanzania, trachoma was still suspected to be widespread elsewhere. We report on baseline surveys undertaken from 2012 to 2014.

Methods: A total of 31 districts were surveyed. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 Dec 24;23(6):412-417. Epub 2016 Oct 24.

j RTI International , Dar es Salaam , Tanzania.

Purpose: Based on health care records and trachoma rapid assessments, trachoma was suspected to be endemic in Kaskazini A and Micheweni districts of Zanzibar. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in each of those districts.

Methods: The survey was undertaken in Kaskazini A and Micheweni districts on Unguja and Pemba Islands, respectively. Read More

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2016 Sep;96(36):2906-2908

Plastic and Cosmetic Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.

Objective: To investigate the effects of epicanthoplasty on the trichiasis caused by the entropion of lower eyelid with epicanthus. Methods: Epicanthoplasty was used to correct the trichiasis of lower eyelid with epicanthus from February 2010 to October 2015. Total of 72 patients were enrolled in this study, among whom 42 were male and 30 were female, and aged 8 to 58 years. Read More

Adv Parasitol 2016 14;94:1-48. Epub 2016 Sep 14.

Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

The World Health Organization has targeted the elimination of blinding trachoma by the year 2020. To this end, the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma (GET, 2020) alliance relies on a four-pronged approach, known as the SAFE strategy (S for trichiasis surgery; A for antibiotic treatment; F for facial cleanliness and E for environmental improvement). Well-constructed and parameterized mathematical models provide useful tools that can be used in policy making and forecasting in order to help to control trachoma and understand the feasibility of this large-scale elimination effort. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 11;23(sup1):3-7. Epub 2016 Oct 11.

d Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To determine whether trachoma is a public health problem requiring intervention in Cambodia.

Methods: Based on historical evidence and reports, 14 evaluation units (EUs) in Cambodia, judged to be most likely to harbor trachoma, were selected. The Global Trachoma Mapping Project methodology was used to carry out rigorous surveys to determine the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trichiasis in each EU. Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 11;23(sup1):32-38. Epub 2016 Oct 11.

e Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: Following a first phase of trachoma mapping in Malawi with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we identified and mapped trachoma districts previously suspected to be non-endemic, although adjacent to districts with estimated trachoma prevalences indicating a public health problem.

Methods: We conducted population-based surveys in eight evaluation units (EUs) comprising eight districts in Malawi (total population 3,230,272). A 2-stage cluster random sampling design allowed us to select 30 households from each of 30 clusters per EU; all residents aged 1 year and older in selected households were examined for evidence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Read More

Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016 Dec 11;23(6):406-411. Epub 2016 Oct 11.

k Clinical Research Department , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK.

Purpose: To determine the need or otherwise for establishment of a trachoma elimination program in Gombe State, Nigeria, by estimating the population-based prevalence of trachoma in each Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe.

Methods: Using a multi-stage, systematic, random, and quasi-random sampling approach and Global Trachoma Mapping Project support, we selected 25 clusters in each LGA. In each cluster, we selected 25 households and all consenting residents aged 1 year and older were examined for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trichiasis, using the World Health Organization simplified grading scheme. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Sep 21;10(9):e0005003. Epub 2016 Sep 21.

Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) now requires a second surveillance survey for trachoma after an impact assessment has found follicular trachoma (TF) <5% to determine if re-emergence has occurred. Using new WHO guidelines, we undertook surveillance surveys, and determined the prevalence of infection and antibody positivity, in two districts in Nepal.

Methods: 20 clusters were randomly selected within each district, 15 were randomly selected for antibody testing. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Sep 19;10(9):e0004906. Epub 2016 Sep 19.

Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: The Gambia's National Eye Health Programme has made a concerted effort to reduce the prevalence of trachoma. The present study had two objectives. The first was to conduct surveillance following mass drug administrations to determine whether The Gambia has reached the World Health Organization's (WHO) criteria for trachoma elimination, namely a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) of less than 5% in children aged 1 to 9 years. Read More

Clin Ophthalmol 2016 29;10:1663-70. Epub 2016 Aug 29.

Department of Medical Physiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.

Background: Trachoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. It is common in areas where people are socioeconomically deprived. Globally, approximately 1. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Sep 7;10(9):e0004863. Epub 2016 Sep 7.

Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: Trachoma is endemic in several Pacific Island states. Recent surveys across the Solomon Islands indicated that whilst trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) was present at levels warranting intervention, the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) was low. We set out to determine the relationship between chlamydial infection and trachoma in this population. Read More

Autoimmune Infect Dis 2016 Jun 3;2(3). Epub 2016 Jun 3.

Department of Microbiology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.

Aim: To examine the association of TLR4 Asp299Gly and MICA exon 5 microsatellites polymorphisms with severity of trachoma in a sub-Saharan East Africa population of Tanzanian villagers.

Methods: The samples were genotyped for MICA exon 5 microsatellites and the TLR4 299 A/G polymorphism by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and GeneScan(®), respectively. The association of TLR4 Asp299Gly and MICA exon 5 microsatellites with inflammatory trachoma (TI) and trichiasis (TI) were examined. Read More

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2017 Jan 18;54(1):15-16. Epub 2016 Aug 18.

Purpose: Although much literature has focused on various techniques to repair epiblepharon, no study has addressed how frequently surgical intervention is required.

Methods: The authors tabulated data from all patients with epiblepharon seen over the past 15 years.

Results: Eighty-nine patients were included, 61 (69%) with tearing, discharge, conjunctival injection, or eye rubbing. Read More

Commun Dis Intell Q Rep 2016 Jun 30;40(2):E255-66. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

National Trachoma Surveillance Reporting Unit, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales.

Australia remains the only developed country to have endemic levels of trachoma (a prevalence of 5% or greater among children) in some regions. Endemic trachoma in Australia is found predominantly in remote and very remote Aboriginal communities. The Australian Government funds the National Trachoma Surveillance and Reporting Unit to collate, analyse and report trachoma prevalence data and document trachoma control strategies in Australia through an annual surveillance report. Read More

J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2016 Dec 5;6(1):28. Epub 2016 Aug 5.

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is one of the most commonly diagnosed primary immunodeficiencies. Generally, patients have a history of recurrent sinopulmonary infections, hypogammaglobulinemia of two or more immunoglobulin isotypes, and impaired functional antibody responses. Reports of corneal involvement associated with CVID are limited. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Aug 2;10(8):e0004859. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: Sight loss from trachoma is the end result of a scarring disease process starting in early childhood and characterised by repeated episodes of conjunctival inflammation (active trachoma). Subsequently, the conjunctiva becomes scarred, causing the eyelashes to turn inwards and scratch the cornea (trichiasis), damaging the corneal surface and leading to corneal opacification and visual impairment. It is thought that this process is initiated and driven by repeated infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Jul 12;10(7):e0004798. Epub 2016 Jul 12.

Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness and is caused by ocular infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). While the majority of the global disease burden is found in sub-Saharan Africa, the Western Pacific Region has been identified as trachoma endemic. Population surveys carried out throughout Fiji have shown an abundance of both clinically active trachoma and trachomatous trichiasis in all divisions. Read More

PLoS One 2016 8;11(7):e0158625. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Background: A high proportion of active trachoma infection in children of Car-Nicobar Island was reported through the Trachoma Rapid Assessment survey conducted in year 2010 by the same researchers. Annual mass drug treatment with azithromycin was administered from years 2010-12 to all individuals residing in this island for reducing the burden of active trachoma infection. A cross-sectional prevalence survey was conducted in the year 2013 to assess the post-treatment burden of trachoma in this population. Read More