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Eliminating blinding trachoma may be possible
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SAN FRANCISCO — Short courses of azithromycin have been shown to be as effective as long courses of tetracycline in reducing clinically active trachoma and the prevalence of chlamydial infection, researchers here noted.
While further research is still needed to determine how to best use azithromycin, the antibiotic is playing a key role in the integrated approach to managing the disease. Dubbed the ‘SAFE’ strategy, physicians are promoting surgery for deformed eyelids; antibiotic treatment with azithromycin in infected communities; face washing; and general improved hygiene of children and environmental conditions, particularly water and latrines.
In Morocco, trachoma activity was reduced by more than 70% after implementing the SAFE strategy. The article is published in Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases.