MICROBIOLOGICAL CONFIRMATION OF A FOCUS OF ACTIVE TRACHOMA IN AMERINDIANS OF COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA

Objective. To confirm the microbiological presence of C. trachomatis in indigenous communities of Colombia found to have cases of active trachoma. Method: An ophthalmic evaluation was performed in order to identify the active forms of the disease. Ocular swabs were taken from the conjunctiva and analyzed by real time PCR “in house” for the detection of C. trachomatis. Positive samples, were confirmed by a commercial real time PCR and DNA sequencing. Design: Descriptive study Subjects: Children with active trachoma from different indigenous communities in Vaupés, Colombia. Main outcome measures: Presence of C. trachomatis in conjunctival swab samples Results. Fifteen clinical cases of active trachoma were identified in children between one and 12 years old. A major proportion of TI was observed, compared with TF and greater bilateral commitment of the disease. Patients were from the indigenous communities of Santa Catalina (73.3%), Pacuativa (20%) and Piramirí (6.7%). The presence of C. trachomatis was confirmed in 3 (20%) patients, by real time PCR technique “in house” and confirmatory, and validated with sequencing. Conclusion. This study confirms the presence of C. trachomatis in cases of active trachoma in indigenous communities of the department of Vaupés, Colombia.