Comparison of two azithromycin distribution strategies for controlling trachoma in Nepal

Susan Osaki Holm, Hem C. Jha, Ramesh C. Bhatta, J. S.P. Chaudhary, B. B. Thapa, Dale Davis, Ram Prasad Pokhrel, Miao Yinghui, Michael Zegans, Julius Schachter, Kevin D. Frick, Lisa Tapert, Thomas M. Lietman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective The study compares the effectiveness of two strategies for distributing azithromycin in an area with mild-to-moderate active trachoma in Nepal. Methods The two strategies investigated were the use of azithromycin for 1) mass treatment of all children, or 2) targeted treatment of only those children who were found to be clinically active, as well as all members of their household. Findings Mass treatment of children was slightly more effective in terms of decreasing the prevalence of clinically active trachoma (estimated by clinical examination) and of chlamydial infection (estimated by DNA amplification tests), although neither result was statistically significant. Conclusion Both strategies appeared to be effective in reducing the prevalence of clinically active trachoma and infection six months after the treatment. Antibiotic treatment reduced the prevalence of chlamydial infection more than it did the level of clinically active trachoma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-200
Number of pages7
JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization
Volume79
Issue number3
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Azithromycin/supply and distribution
  • Comparative study
  • Nepal (source: MeSH)
  • Randomized controlled trials
  • Trachoma/drug therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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