Ocular chlamydial infections: pathogenesis and emerging treatment strategies.
Chlamydiae cause a spectrum of diseases in multiple organ systems, and chlamydial infections of the eye lead to sequelae varying from mild conjunctivitis to blindness. This paper reviews current concepts in the pathogenesis and management of ocular chlamydial infections. Trachoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world, is compared with other ocular chlamydial diseases to underscore key concepts in chlamydial pathogenesis. Emerging treatment strategies are discussed in the context of chlamydial pathogenesis and the World Health Organization initiative to eradicate trachoma by 2020.
Kalayoglu
Murat V
MV
Department of Ophthalmology-Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114. mkalayog@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003235:Conjunctivitis, Inclusion / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D014141:Trachoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology