Smartphone photography as a possible method of post-validation trachoma surveillance in resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND

Validation of trachoma elimination requires monitoring after discontinuation of trachoma program activities, though such evaluations are not commonly done.

METHODS

Conjunctival examinations and smartphone photography were performed on a random sample of pre-school children from 15 villages in a region of Burkina Faso thought to have eliminated trachoma.

RESULTS

No clinically active trachoma was detected by in-field or photographic evaluation. Smartphone images demonstrated high agreement with field grading (>99% concordance).

CONCLUSIONS

Trachoma appears to have been eliminated from this area of Burkina Faso. Smartphone cameras may be a useful aid for monitoring in resource-limited settings.