trachoma

trachoma , infection of the mucous membrane of the eyelids caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma infects more than 150 million people worldwide. An estimated 6 million people have become blind because of it, making the disease the second leading cause of blindness, after cataracts. It is most common in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In the United States it has occurred sporadically among Native Americans and in mountainous areas of the South.

Trachoma is highly contagious in its early stages and is transmitted by direct contact with infected persons or articles (e.g., towels, handkerchiefs) and possibly also by flies. It begins as congestion and swelling of the eyelids with tearing and disturbance of vision. The cornea is often involved. If left untreated, scar tissue forms, which causes deformities of the eyelids and, if there is corneal involvement, partial or total blindness. The disease has been effectively treated with tetracycline ointment and with the newer oral drug azithromycin (Zithromax). The World Health Organization began a campaign in 1998 to eradicate the disease worldwide by the year 2020. The strategy includes use of azithromycin and sanitation improvements in water supplies.

trachoma Chronic eye infection caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis, characterized by inflammation of the cornea with the formation of pus. A disease of dry, tropical regions, it is the major cause of blindness in the developing world.

trachoma (tră-koh-mă) n. a chronic contagious eye disease – a severe form of conjunctivitis caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis – that is common in some hot countries. If untreated, the conjunctiva becomes scarred and shrinks, causing trichiasis; blindness can be a late complication. Treatment with tetracyclines is effective in the early stages of the disease.