Prevalence of trachoma among school children in Bauru - Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Purpose: A survey was carried out with schoolchildren in Bauru, Sao Paulo State. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of trachoma. Methods: One thousand, seven hundred and forty-nine children from 6 to 14 years old were examined during the year of 2005. The schools were randomly chosen, according to the number of schoolchildren and the school region according to the local of the city (downtown, middle and periphery). The diagnosis was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol and patients with clinical trachoma detection were submitted to laboratory confirmation by direct smear fluorescent antibodies cytology for Chlamydia trachomatis. Results: Trachoma prevalence was 3.8%. Follicular trachoma was diagnosed in 3.7% of children, and intense trachoma in one child (0.06%). Children with trachoma were living mainly in the middle and peripheral region of the city, places with discontinuous water supply and absence of sewerage system in part of the residences. Conclusion: Trachoma prevalence in Bauru - Sao Paulo State - is 3.8%. The authors point out the survey results and also treated trachoma carriers. Other positive aspect of the survey was the community mobilization to prevent trachoma blindness.