Trachoma in Southwestern Nepal

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Investigator: Deborah Dean, MD, MPH

Location(s): Nepal

Description

Trachoma is a chronic ocular infection caused by Chlamydia and is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world today. This study collaborates with teh WHO and the Nepali govt to assay the study population for trachoma and other ocular diseases as well as other diseases. The clinic collects samples that are to: 1) determine whether serological responses in tears and sera against conserved Chlamydia proteins can be used as reliable indicators of infection and disease status; 2) analyze genomes of Chlamydia to provide important data for vaccine development; and 3) provide surveillance for clinical trachoma and infection after mass drug administration (MDA) that has been sanctioned by the World Health Organization and administered by the Nepali government.