Assessment of trachoma prevalence in a mobile population in Central Australia.

Abstract

Trachoma is reported to be hyperendemic in Australia. This study was conducted in a desert area of Central Australia to implement and evaluate the WHO SAFE strategy to control trachoma. The aim of the study was to obtain baseline trachoma prevalence data and to determine whether a single annual visit is adequate for a treatment program targeting households with active cases in a highly mobile population. All registered residents of two Aboriginal communities were eligible for examination. Four visits over the course of 13 months were made to the communities for ocular examinations of residents present at the time of the visit. Examination, diagnosis, and grading of trachoma followed WHO guid..