Mass antibiotic treatment alone does not eliminate ocular chlamydial infection

Abstract

Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is the leading infectious cause of preventable blindness globally. For trachoma control, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the SAFE strategy, an integrated program of 1) eyelid Surgery to correct the in-turned eyelashes associated with severe trachoma and stops pain and minimizes risk of corneal damage; 2) Antibiotic treatment for active trachoma using single-dose oral azithromycin or tetracycline eye ointment; 3) Facial cleanliness through sustained behavior change to reduce transmission; and 4) Environmental improvement, to increase access to water and sanitation [1],[2]. The A, F, and E components of SAFE have been designed to treat ocular Chlamydia infection and reduce the risk of trachoma transmission, such that blinding trachoma is eliminated.