Complete elimination is a difficult goal for trachoma programs in severely affected communities

Abstract

The World Health Organization has distributed millions of doses of azithromycin to control the ocular chlamydial infection that causes trachoma. Theoretically, a loftier goal of elimination is feasible. Here, we demonstrate that, although local elimination of infection in the most severely affected communities is difficult, it is possible with biannual antibiotic distributions. © 2008 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.