The natural history of endemic trachoma: A longitudinal study

Abstract

A longitudinal study of trachoma was conducted among 100 members of nine families living in a hyperendemic area of Tanzania. Family members were examined for trachoma every three months for one year and conjunctival specimens were collected for antigen detection, which was performed either by direct fluorescent antibody cytologic analysis or enzyme immunoassay. The serovar specificity of tear antibodies was determined. Overall, young children tended to form a core of those with persistent, often severe, disease who consistently shed Chlamydia. These children are a potential source of infection in their family. Chlamydia could be identified early in the course of presumed recently acquired in..