Xerophthalmia in the state of Paraiba, northeast of Brazil: clinical findings.

An epidemiological survey of the prevalence of xerophthalmia was conducted in the state of Paraiba through 10,922 clinical examinations of 0 to 12 yr old children from six localities representative of the three different ecological regions of Paraiba. The regional distribution of clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency was markedly different, and in the semiarid region (Sertão) the prevalence reached levels suggesting that it was a public health problem in that area. Seasonal variations were observed and were specially significant in the "Sertão," with xerophthalmia signs appearing more frequently during the interharvest period. This seems to be the first report with documented active cases of xerophthalmia in this region of Brazil.