The problem of trachoma within an onchocerciasis-endemic zone in Kaduna: need for a multilateral approach?
BACKGROUND
Within the mesoendemic onchocerciasis belt of Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, there were other causes of ocular morbidity as well. We investigated the contribution of trachoma.


METHODS
A total of 6831 individuals were examined for eye disease, including signs of trachoma.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of trachoma was 4.5% (577 eyes of 310 individuals), making it the second most common cause (1 in 5) of ocular morbidity after cataracts. Of the 577 eyes, 405 (70.2%) had cicatrizing disease while the rest had active disease. Overall, the prevalence of TF was 1.1% (1.3% in those < 10 years of age), TI 0.2%, TS 3%, CO 0.5% and TT 1.1% (4.3% and 3.5% in subjects aged > 55 and > 40 years, respectively). The prevalence of trachoma increased with age. The overall prevalence of blindness in the whole population was 2.7%. Trachoma accounted for 11% of this. On the other hand, onchocerciasis accounted for 3.1% of the overall ocular morbidity (less than trachoma) and 39% of the blindness.


CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a clear need to retrain middle cadre ivermectin workers in trachoma rapid assessment and SAFE strategy intervention methods in order to further impact blindness prevention in these 'onchocerciasis-endemic' zones.
Babalola
O E
OE
Rachel Eye Center, Abuja, Nigeria. Bablo57@yahoo.com
Abiose
A
A
Barrie
J R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001766:Blindness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015827:Onchocerciasis, Ocular / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014141:Trachoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D007559:Ivermectin