Prevalencia de Chlamydia trachomatis en adultos con conjuntivitis folicular crónica

Introduction: Chlamydia keratoconjunctivitis in adults (CKA) represents the ocular manifestation of the venereal disease. Untreated cases may have six to 18 month chronic courses; its evolution is related to the patient’s immune response. We sought to determine, a) the prevalence of CKA in cases with chronic follicular conjunctivitis (CFC), b) the severity of the condition and, c) the influence of factors that could increase the risk of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. Material and methods: In a prospective, transversal, interventional study, conjunctival swabs were done in 50 adults with CFC to detect C. trachomatis by immunofluorescence in the Department of Ophthalmology of the Hospital General de Mexico. Results: Eighteen women and 11 men (1.6:1) had positive swabs for Chlamydia trachomatis; 19 of the 29 had corneal involvement, mainly pannus. Risk factors included ages from 20 to 29 and over 60 years, active sexual relations before the age of 15, no use of contraception and the presence of genitourinary symptoms. Conclusions: In our clinical material. 58% of CFC are produced by C. trachomatis. CKA is the manifestation of a systemic disease. Barrier contraception provides partial protection against Chlamydia trachomatis.