Global elimination of trachoma: how frequently should we administer mass chemotherapy?

Abstract

The World Health Organization has recommended repeat mass drug administration as part of their global initiative to eliminate blinding trachoma by the year 2020. The efficacy of repeat treatment will be tested empirically, but the results will not be available for many years, and recommendations for the necessary frequency of treatment are needed immediately. We have developed a mathematical model that uses available epidemiological data from a variety of countries. We recommend, based on our analysis, that in areas where trachoma is moderately prevalent (<35% in children), it should be treated annually, but hyperendemic areas (>50% in children), it should be treated biannually.

• Authors: T Lietman, T Porco, C Dawson, S Blower
• Journal: Nature medicine (Nat Med) Vol. 5 Issue 5 Pg. 572-6 (May 1999) ISSN: 1078-8956 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10229236 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Azithromycin (administration & dosage)
• Blindness (prevention & control)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Computer Simulation
• Global Health
• Humans
• Infant
• Models, Theoretical
• Prevalence
• Trachoma (drug therapy, epidemiology)