Trachoma as cause of blindness: literature review

Silva, Maria Beatriz Araújo; Andrade, Maria Sandra; Oliveira, Yohana Veras de; Marques, Maria Gabriela Santiago; Pinho, Clarissa Mourão; Lopes, Katiuscia Araújo de Miranda

doi:10.3823/2326

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…The prevalence of trachoma among students of the Jequitinhonha Valley was 6.3%, which is slightly above the value of 5% recommended by WHO as indicative that the disease under control 1 - 3 , 7 . The existence of trachoma in a population is an indicator of precarious living conditions, which also suggests the need for socioeconomic improvements 1 - 3 , 7 Considering the vulnerable conditions of the evaluated population, this result should be taken as a warning sign since diagnosis may be neglected by health professionals, as there are few reports of the disease in the region.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Prevalence of trachoma and associated factors in students from the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Silva

Pereira

Ambrózio

et al. 2020

Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop.

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Introduction: Trachoma is the leading cause of blindness in the world, especially in undeveloped countries, due to its association with poor socioeconomic and sanitation conditions. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of trachoma among students from the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, one of the poorest regions in Brazil, and to identify associated factors. Methods: This is a crosssectional study that utilized clinical evaluation and a socioeconomic questionnaire applied to a random and representative sample of elementary school students from the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants underwent conjunctival scraping and direct immunofluorescence was used to confirm the presence of the bacteria. Five or more elementary bodies in the conjunctival scrape was considered a positive result. In the study, 36.6% positive samples were detected. A culture of the conjunctival scrape, considered to be the "gold standard", was not performed due to cost and complexity. Bivariate analyses were performed, followed by binary logistic regression analysis to define the associated variables. Results: In the present study, 478 students comprised the sample. The prevalence of trachoma was 6.3% and was higher among students who lived in unfinished houses (no plastering, painting, flooring, and unfinished bathrooms) (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.12-6.48) without sewage systems (OR = 9.49; 95% CI = 3.52-25.60) and studied in rural areas (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.53-7.35). Conclusions: The prevalence of trachoma among the students aged 7 to 16 years old, from public and private schools, is not negligible and is especially associated with inadequate living conditions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%