PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF TRACHOMA IN 11 SELECTED VILLAGES IN SOUTH OF IRAN

A small clinical and serological survey to determine the prevalence and severity of trachoma was conducted in 11 Iranian villages located in the Dezful and Kazerun Areas. No evidence of severe active disease or severe squeal was found among the 389 individuals examined. Seventy-seven per cent of those examined were more than 12 years of age. The prevalence of active trachoma by clinical examination was 31% (120/389) for all subjects examined. Normal eyes were observed in 40% (156/389). The occurrence of antibody to Chlamydia in eye secretions tested by immunofluorescence was infrequent. Only 6% (9/146) were positive and only 8% (5/61) were from active trachoma cases. These findings suggest that severe trachoma cases. These findings suggest that severe trachoma is rare in the population which was studied.