Current trachoma treatment methodologies: focus on advancements in drug therapy

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.