Revue internationale du trachome et de pathologie oculaire tropicale et subtropicale et de sante publique : organe de la Ligue contre le trachome avec la collaboration de l'International Organization against Trachoma et des organisation...最新文献

With no doubt the Ophthalmologist in Tropical African country is the practician most needed for ocular disorders which are precursors of blindness by onchocerciasis or loasis. So, he has to be well-informed concerning each new product able to bring a better efficacy in the treatment of his patients suffering from one or two of these endemic filariasis. He has to know as well how to use it perfectly to experiment it if needed. Ivermectine, MECTIZAN patented, is nowadays the microfilariacide most tolerated in human medicine and is very easy to use in mass therapeutic campaigns as it is easy to administer: one oral dose is available for at least six months. This work deals with the structure of this new anti-parasitary, its quite particular action mechanism, its quite easy dosage, its use precautions and possible contraindications. By this, each practicioner has not to wait an important medical advertisement on this product which is being tested to know the basic points on it and to know how to get it for a possible experimentation for a point of information.

The authors point out that Italy, as a tradition, has always dedicated special attention to developing countries, due to its geographical position and its cultural background and that in 1971 the Italian Government has created by a law, as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department for Cooperation and Development, the objective of which is to contribute to the enhancement of the living conditions in developing countries. The authors report data on a Trachoma Control Project started in 1973 lasting to 1981, financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and technically guided by some of the authors and point out that the major success of this Project is that, since they left the Country in 1981, trachoma control activities are still now carried out by using the same methodologies. Finally, the authors report data on a National Prevention of Blindness Programme, the extension of which will be guided in the near future by the Referral Center for Public Health Ophthalmology of Rome that has just prepared the plan of operation that foresees the reorganization and strengthening of the existing structures and manpower at the head quarter, tertiary, secondary and primary levels.

The epidemiologic data and surgical results of 253 cataract extractions performed in a new department of Ophthalmology in Eastern Senegal were reviewed. 87 per cent have been operated without hospitalization, with restricted follow up. The complication rate was low, showing that this kind of surgery was suitable to local socio-economical conditions.

This study presents the first results of "impression cytology ocular test" in Mauritania for determination of vitamin A rate. This study is based on the community health centers and is not significative of general population. It's a question in this first study of testing this method, realized in some regions of Mauritania (Nouakchott, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Hodh Gharby, Inchiri, Adrar, Tiris-Zemmour).

Ten years ago, we surmised that VKC could be provoked by chlamydia. 34 patients without any contamination of trachomatous origin were recently studied. We performed examinations of biopsies (histology and ultrastructure), serology, tissue group and specific allergen skin tests. Our findings indicate that Chlamydia could be an allergen provoking VKC in atopic patients.

In a study carried out in West Cameroon Province where 1749 patients were involved, the author aimed at studying the ocular pathology of this area. This was all the more important because the province was not equipped before with any department of Ophthalmology. It appeared from this study that infectious and inflammatory diseases of the anterior segment of the eye and of the eye-lids are by far the most widespread. Then come the refraction defects. Ocular traumas come next, in third position, then cataracts. The other eye diseases are less common in this area.

Ninety seven sera, 53 from patients with Acute Anterior Uveitis and 44 from age and sex matched controls were tested for antichlamydial antibodies employing a recently developed technique of ELISA. Higher positivity of 27.0% was recorded in controls as against 17.0% in patients. The difference was statistically insignificant. All the subjects had trachoma at stage II-IV. Age and sex did not seem to influence the findings in both, the cases and controls. Through this study, the role of Chlamydia in the etiology of A. A. U. is not ascertained. Further studies are recommended.

A preliminary study on the prevalence of trachoma in Niger was carried out in the southern part of the Tahoua department in January 1987. 325 persons were examined. 60.6% were found to have trachomatous lesions, 36.9% clinically evident and evolutive lesions, 3.7% serious and severe forms and 1.2% suffered from triachiasis. The program in the fight against blindness that is currently being organized in Niger therefore has to take trachoma, that is, avoidable blindness, into account.

The population of Niger is 6 million, mostly located in the rural areas. The last ophthalmological survey carried out in 1983 reveals a 3 to 8% prevalence of blindness, according to the department considered, that is, an average prevalence of 2.6% in the country. This survey reveals that 85% of the causes of blindness can be avoided (cataracts-infections). These figures fully justify the implementation of a national program to fight blindness.

Trachoma is still a major health problem in the ZINDER Department, the historical capital located in the mideastern part of the country. A prospective study carried out on almost 800 subjects between the ages of 0 and 20 reveals that the prevalence of trachoma varies between 28% in the cities to 68% in the rural areas. This represents an average prevalence of almost 50% in the age group considered. This rate is sharply increasing when compared with that recorded 20 years ago (15 to 25%). A program to fight the disease is more than ever necessary.