Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium responsible for causing trachoma, a disease that leads to blindness so frequently that it imposes a significant financial burden on global health resources, costing $25 billion in the year 2000 alone. Known by various names, including sandy blight, trachoma is primarily transmitted among children and from children to women during caregiving. The primary risk factors include low socioeconomic conditions and insufficient access to water. Trachoma impacts roughly 500 million people worldwide, particularly in rural areas of developing nations and the dry regions of tropical and subtropical zones. Currently, 6-9 million individuals worldwide are blind due to trachoma, with many more experiencing partial vision loss. Notably, Australia stands as the only developed nation where trachoma remains a significant health issue, affecting an estimated 100,000 people. Although mass treatment can temporarily reduce trachoma prevalence, the disease frequently returns to pre-treatment levels within 6-12 months. Azithromycin, known commercially as Zithromax, is now used for treatment. Additionally, promoting regular face washing helps control the spread of the disease. Surgery on scarred eyelids can prevent further damage caused by inward-turning eyelashes.
