Trachoma is caused by what?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Trachoma is a type of conjunctival keratitis caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It is a chronic infectious disease characterized by a rough and uneven appearance on the surface of the conjunctiva, resembling sand grains, hence its name. In the early stages, the conjunctiva shows infiltration, such as growths of papillae and follicles, along with corneal vascular pannus. In late stages, due to scarring of the affected conjunctiva, entropion and trichiasis can occur, aggravating the damage to the cornea and severely impacting vision or even causing blindness in the patient.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What does "syphilis negative" mean?

A negative test for trachoma means that the individual does not have the disease. Trachoma is a chronic infectious disease of the conjunctiva of the eye surface, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The acute phase of trachoma can manifest as redness, swelling, tearing, increased discharge, and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. If not well-controlled, trachoma can become chronic over time. Due to damage to the corneal epithelium from trachoma, prolonged duration can lead to decreased vision and even blindness. Treatment of trachoma mainly involves the local and systemic use of antibiotics. Local medications primarily include 0.1% rifampicin, 0.5% tetracycline, and sulfonamide eye drops, while systemic medications may include oral doxycycline and other tetracyclines. The treatment course for trachoma is relatively long, generally requiring medication for at least six weeks or more. (Please follow medical advice from a doctor for specific medications.)

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma has several treatment methods.

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctival and corneal inflammation caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection and is one of the leading causes of blindness. Around three hundred to six hundred million people worldwide are infected with trachoma. Treatment includes systemic and local ocular medication, as well as treatment for complications. Local treatments include 0.1% rifampicin eye drops, 0.1% tetrahydropalmatine eye drops, or 0.5% neomycin eye drops. Erythromycin or tetracycline eye ointments are used at night, with a treatment duration of at least ten to twelve weeks. Acute or severe cases of trachoma should be treated with systemic antibiotics. Surgical correction of trichiasis and entropion is crucial to prevent late-stage trachoma scarring that leads to blindness.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
45sec home-news-image

Trachoma is caused by what?

Trachoma is a type of conjunctival keratitis caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It is a chronic infectious disease characterized by a rough and uneven appearance on the surface of the conjunctiva, resembling sand grains, hence its name. In the early stages, the conjunctiva shows infiltration, such as growths of papillae and follicles, along with corneal vascular pannus. In late stages, due to scarring of the affected conjunctiva, entropion and trichiasis can occur, aggravating the damage to the cornea and severely impacting vision or even causing blindness in the patient.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
48sec home-news-image

The difference between trachoma and conjunctival concretions.

Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia infection, while eye concretions are generally caused by chronic inflammation leading to lipid accumulation. When the eyelids show symptoms of trachoma, proliferative follicles and proliferative tissues in the eyelids form cobblestone changes. The concretions are white and located subconjunctivally, generally deep enough not to affect the eyes, but if superficial, they protrude into the palpebral conjunctiva and can cause certain wear to the eyes. Symptoms such as a foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and increased secretions can result from both trachoma and eye concretions. For treatment, eye drops are used for trachoma, and the eye concretions are removed under topical anesthesia, which alleviates the symptoms.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The positivity for Chlamydia trachomatis is caused by what reason?

Chlamydia trachomatis is the main source of infection causing trachoma. There are many reasons that can lead to a positive test for Chlamydia trachomatis, mainly the following three points. These are poor hand hygiene of the patient, improper cleaning of the eyes, and infection by Chlamydia trachomatis in public areas. In fact, the primary reason is still the individual's failure to maintain proper hygiene practices. When symptoms of trachoma appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly. Once diagnosed as positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, one should pay more attention to rest and eye hygiene. It is essential to maintain good hygiene habits regularly, and it is best to engage in some physical exercise, which can help strengthen the body's immune system.