OmpA genotypic evidence for persistent ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Tanzanian village women

Abstract

The data provide evidence for persistence of infection in a sub-group of women. The strongest predictor of infection at follow-up was baseline infection, and most were infected with the same genotype at both time points. For women with persistent infection, at least half were either not living with children or not living with infected children, suggesting that continual re-exposure from a close family member was less likely. Chronic infection is likely related to both exposure and immunological factors, and these need to be further identified. Inclusion of women in community-based treatment programs, regardless of whether a child is present in the house, is likely to be important in preventing the progression of inflammatory trachoma and scarring to trichiasis.