The pathology of trachoma in a black South African population. Light microscopical, histochemical and electron microscopical findings.

Conjunctival biopsy specimens from a Black South African population suffering from trachoma have been studied by light microscopy, histochemistry and electron microscopy. A wide spectrum of histopathological changes was noted at different ages. Large cystically dilated glands containing concretions were seen and histochemical and electron microscopical examination revealed that the concretion material consisted of the inspissated secretion of goblet cells and cell debris. The cell damage seen in trachoma may be caused by the release of lysosomal enzymes from inflammatory cells.