Risk Factors for Active Trachoma and Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Treatment-Naïve Trachoma-Hyperendemic Communities of the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau

In the hyperendemic trachoma communities of the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau, active trachoma and Chlamydia trachomatis infection are strongly linked to young age (1-9 years), male gender, ocular and nasal discharge, household water source type, and fly presence around latrines. This remote island environment presents unique risk factors, including hygiene behaviors and water usage, which differ from typical trachoma-endemic settings. The study, conducted through a population-based survey of 1507 participants across four islands, used WHO grading systems and PCR testing to identify these associations, highlighting the need for targeted environmental measures in trachoma control strategies.

Last, A. R., Burr, S. E., Weiss, H. A., Harding-Esch, E. M., Cassama, E., Nabicassa, M., Mabey, D. C., Holland, M. J., & Bailey, R. L. (2014). Risk Factors for Active Trachoma and Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Treatment-Naïve Trachoma-Hyperendemic Communities of the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 8(6), e2900. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0002900