Sequelae from Epidemic Viral Conjunctivitis Can Be Associated with Inflammatory Trachoma in Schoolchildren?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sequelae due to epidemic viral conjunctivitis (VC) for a possible association with inflammatory trachoma in schoolchildren.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed of 2,093 schoolchildren in public schools in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The exams were conducted according to the WHO definitions to detect trachoma. We evaluated the prevalence and the association between inflammatory trachoma and sequelae due to VC.

RESULTS

The prevalence of inflammatory trachoma in schoolchildren in Botucatu City was 2.9% (CI: 1.2-17.3%). The prevalence of sequelae from VC was 0.007% (CI: 0 to 0.033%). Acute bacterial conjunctivitis was detected in 0.001%. There was no association between inflammatory trachoma and VC-related sequelae or acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

CONCLUSION

An outbreak of epidemic VC can lead to definitive sequelae in the tarsal conjunctiva. The sequelae from VC were detected in 0.007% of the schoolchildren and were not associated with inflammatory trachoma.