Trachoma and Infection in Aboriginal Communities
Author Information
Author(s): Michel Claude-Edouard C., Roper Katrina G., Divena Magda A., Lee Helen H., Taylor Hugh R.
Primary Institution: University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
How does the clinical grading of trachoma correlate with infection rates in Aboriginal communities?
Conclusion
Finer grading schemes for trachoma can better identify clinical status and the need for specific control measures in Aboriginal communities.
Supporting Evidence
- 85.2% of the study population was examined.
- 25.1% of children aged 1–9 years had trachomatous inflammation-follicular.
- 53% of clinical activity was found in those with disease scores below the WHO simplified grade.
- Organism load was strongly correlated with disease severity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well doctors can see signs of trachoma compared to lab tests for infection in Aboriginal communities. It found that using a more detailed way to check for trachoma helps find more cases.
Methodology
The study used clinical assessments, photographic grading, PCR tests, and a point-of-care assay to evaluate trachoma in five Aboriginal communities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the reliance on clinical assessments which may vary based on examiner experience.
Limitations
The study could not precisely link individual exposure to infection due to the movement of participants between households.
Participant Demographics
Participants were residents of five Aboriginal communities in northern Australia, with a median age of 17.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0004
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 20.7–29.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website