Current Trachoma Treatment Methodologies: Focus on Advancements in Drug Therapy

Authors: Chiu L.M.; Amsden G.W.

Source: Drugs, Volume 62, Number 18, 2002 , pp. 2573-2579(7)

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Abstract:

Currently, there are approximately 6 million people with irreversible blindness as a result of chronic follicular conjunctivitis with subsequent corneal scarring caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, also known as trachoma. On the basis of the clinical studies evaluated, the most widely tested effective pharmacological treatments for trachoma today are topical tetracycline 1% to be applied to both eyes twice daily for 6 weeks or a single oral dose of azithromycin 20 mg/kg (up to 1g). Although chemotherapy can generate prompt therapeutic response and surgery can reverse the repercussions of these infections, these conditions will persist through reinfections. Implementing proper personal hygiene and environmental improvement measures for the control of infection transmission will be essential in reducing the potentially devastating results of trachoma infections.

Keywords: Amoxicillin, therapeutic use; Antibacterials, therapeutic use; Azithromycin, therapeutic use; Doxycycline, therapeutic use; Erythromycin, therapeutic use; Oxytetracycline, therapeutic use; Surgery; Tetracycline, therapeutic use; Trachoma, treatment

Language: English

Document Type: Opinion

Affiliations: 1: Department of Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, New York, USA *

Publication date: 2002-01-01