Trachoma in Punjab: a study of the prevalence and of mass treatment.

During the years 1971-1974 the prevalence of trachoma in the state of Punjab/Northwest-India was investigated among 11,172 persons of all age-groups. The overall prevalence came to 71,07%. Active and progressive stages (WHO stages I and II) were most common among children and adolescents, whereas complicated cases (WHO stage IV) were found predominantly beyond 45 years of age. Regressive cases (WHO stage III) were equally distributed throughout all ages. To our opinion bacterial conjunctivitis is an important factor preceding the infection with the TRIC-agent. Bacterial conjunctivitis is favoured by adverse climatic conditions (duststorms). A masstreatment using local sulfacetamide was started among 4500 children with trachoma, 1966 children could be seen after 6 months. The incidence of trachoma had dropped to 30%. For mass-treatment in a developing country topical application of antibiotics or sulfas seems advisable. Still more important is health-education, which at the moment is lacking everywhere.