Probable origins of trachoma in Australasia.

The history of trachoma in Australasia is reviewed; it is suggested that the disease was not originally endemic in the area, but that it was introduced by European and Chinese settlers, first into Australia and later into New Guinea. From surveys undertaken by the author, and also from those made by others during the past ten years, it is concluded that "pure trachoma" exists all over the area and is still spreading inland from the coast, and that it is converted into the serious type of the disease by secondary infection and mechanical irritation.