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- Title
Trachoma prevalence remains below threshold in five districts after stopping mass drug administration: results of five surveillance surveys within a hyperendemic setting in Amhara, Ethiopia.
- Authors
Nash, Scott D; Stewart, Aisha E P; Astale, Tigist; Sata, Eshetu; Zerihun, Mulat; Gessese, Demelash; Melak, Berhanu; Ayenew, Gedefaw; Ayele, Zebene; Bayissasse, Belay
- Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends conducting trachoma surveillance surveys in districts where the elimination targets have been met and following a minimum 2-year period after cessation of mass drug administration (MDA) in order to determine the sustainability of low trachoma levels. Methods In 2015, population-based surveillance surveys were conducted in five districts of Amhara, Ethiopia. All five districts had a prior trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) prevalence among children 1–9 y of age of <5% determined by an impact survey and had not received MDA for ≥2 y. Surveys included examinations for trachoma clinical signs and conjunctival swabbing to determine Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence. Results Approximately 1000 children 1–9 y of age were examined for TF and 200 children 1–5 y of age were swabbed per district. All five surveillance districts had a TF prevalence of <5% and infection was only detected in one district. The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in adults ≥15 y of age was ≥1% in all districts. Conclusions In a trachoma hyperendemic region, a TF prevalence <5% was successfully maintained in five districts for ≥2 years after stopping MDA. MDA is still not warranted for these districts, however, the S, F and E components of the SAFE strategy should continue.
- Subjects
TRACHOMA; DISEASE prevalence; DRUG administration; WORLD Health Organization; CHLAMYDIA trachomatis
- Publication
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 2018, Vol 112, Issue 12, p538
- ISSN
0035-9203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/trstmh/try096