[Trachoma: epidemiologic study in students in Alagoas State--Brazil].

PURPOSE: To define the detection rate of trachoma in scholars from Alagoas--Brazil.

METHODS

The sample included 6,424 children and adolescents. Scholar's clinical evaluation was performed by medical students under the supervision of professors of the Department of Ophthalmology, according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The clinical evaluation was characterized by eyelashes, eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea examination in both eyes. The scholars were cataloged and data of name, sex, age, clinical forms diagnosis and city were recorded. Regarding the age, the students were divided into three groups: group A (<10 years old), group B (10-14 years old) and group C (>14 years old).

RESULTS

The detection rate of trachoma was 4.5%. From 3,280 male scholars, 161 (4.9%) cases were confirmed; from 3,144 female scholars, 131 (4.2%) cases were considered confirmed. From the total scholars in group A, B and C; respectively 175 (5.3%), 113 (8.0%) and 4 (1.6%) were considered confirmed cases.

CONCLUSION

In this region, it seems that trachoma has not been eradicated and, therefore, must remain as a differential diagnosis of chronic follicular conjunctivitis in children and adolescents from this region.