[The role of Chlamydia trachomatis in the etiology of conjunctivitis].

PURPOSE: To turn attention to the etiological importance of chlamydia in chronic conjunctivitis.

METHODS

From December 1993 to November 1994 the authors examined 95 patients with chronic conjunctivitis for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in conjunctival epithelial cells using direct immunofluorescent antibody tests.

RESULTS

The test was positive in 23 patients and most of them responded positively to general tetracycline treatment combined with locally used Sulfacetamide or Floxal.

CONCLUSION

Chlamydia trachomatis are common causes of conjunctivitis in adults.