Trachoma is what type of infectious disease

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Trachoma is classified as a Class C infectious disease by national regulations. Trachoma generally manifests as red eyes, swollen eyes, eye pain, increased secretions, and a foreign body sensation, sometimes affecting vision.

The conjunctiva in trachoma shows significant proliferative follicles, or pavement stone-like changes. The transmission of trachoma is mainly through contact. Additionally, it is categorized as a Type C infectious disease, with infectious diseases classified into three major categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. After contracting trachoma, it is crucial to actively treat it with eye drops and to pay attention to eye hygiene.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma is what type of infectious disease

Trachoma is classified as a Class C infectious disease by national regulations. Trachoma generally manifests as red eyes, swollen eyes, eye pain, increased secretions, and a foreign body sensation, sometimes affecting vision. The conjunctiva in trachoma shows significant proliferative follicles, or pavement stone-like changes. The transmission of trachoma is mainly through contact. Additionally, it is categorized as a Type C infectious disease, with infectious diseases classified into three major categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. After contracting trachoma, it is crucial to actively treat it with eye drops and to pay attention to eye hygiene.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What eye drops are used for trachoma?

Once diagnosed with trachoma, not only is it necessary to use local eye drops, but also systemic treatment is required. Commonly used local eye drops for trachoma include 0.1% rifampin eye drops, 0.5% penicillin eye drops, yellow safety eye drops, tetracycline eye ointment, erythromycin eye ointment, sulfa eye ointment, and the treatment course needs at least ten to twelve weeks. In the acute phase or severe cases of trachoma, systemic antibiotic treatment is also needed, generally for three to four weeks. Adults take oral tetracycline, while it is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing women, and children under seven years old, who may alternatively use erythromycin. Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma papillary hyperplasia refers to the growth of papillary formations on the conjunctiva due to trachoma.

Trachoma papillary hyperplasia refers to the appearance of a large number of conjunctival papillae on the inner surface of the eyelid in patients with trachoma, which is one of the typical manifestations of inflammation. Trachoma is a common eye disease, caused by Chlamydia infection of the conjunctival tissue, and is greatly related to the patient's lack of eye hygiene and rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. Patients with trachoma may experience eye congestion, redness, the presence of follicles and papillary hyperplasia, as well as the formation of scar tissue on the inner surface of the eyelid. Timely treatment is necessary, otherwise the condition may gradually worsen, potentially leading to complications such as upper eyelid ptosis, entropion, and tear duct obstruction. For treatment, eye drops such as Rifampicin, Sodium Sulfacetamide, and Levofloxacin can be used to eliminate the infection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How is trachoma transmitted?

Trachoma is somewhat contagious. When it is confirmed as trachoma, the eyelids and the conjunctiva of the eyes will carry the bacterium due to Chlamydia infection. When patients touch their eyes with their hands, their fingers or palms are already carrying the bacteria, including Chlamydia. Therefore, when they come into contact with others, cross-infection can occur. Prevention of trachoma primarily involves avoiding contact infection, improving environmental hygiene, enhancing the sanitary management of service industries such as hotels, swimming pools, and barber shops, and developing good hygiene habits, including avoiding rubbing the eyes with hands.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
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Common complications of trachoma

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctival keratitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is named trachoma because it forms a rough, uneven appearance on the surface of the conjunctiva, resembling sand grains. The complications of trachoma mainly include common conditions such as entropion, trichiasis, trachomatous corneal ulcers, ptosis, trachomatous dry eye, tear duct obstruction, chronic dacryocystitis, symblepharon, and corneal opacity, among others.