Azithromycin could reduce blindness in developing countries

摘要

Trachoma is an eye infection, caused by Cblamydia trachomatis, which is the world's leading cause of preventable blindness. New data reported this week show that treatment with oral azithromycin markedly reduces trachoma in endemic areas. Research by Profeessor Julius Schachter (chlamydia research laboratory, University of California, US) and colleagues shows that, one year after treatment with azithromycin, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was reduced by 60 to 90 per cent. The World Health Organisation estimates that 150 million people have active trachoma and six million are blind as a result of it, the authors comment. The infection results in severe inflammation of the conjunctiva, in-turning of the eyelids and ulceration and opacification of the cornea.