Trachoma is medically known as granular conjunctivitis which is a bacterial eye infection. Bacterium Chalmydia trachomatis is said to cause this infection and this is chronic taking long time to cure. The infection is transmitted to mothers who take care of their infected children. Some women may also get this infection through day nursery. Trachoma may cause corneal abrasions or even scarring and in rare cases it may cause loss of vision permanently.
Causes :
Chlamydia trachomatis is the major cause for getting infection of trachoma. It largely affects children and its effect is felt in the form of scarring for long time in life. It can also spread if any person comes into direct contact with the affected person or shares his towels or clothing. Common fly is also another reason that helps in carrying these bacteria thereby spreading the disease.
Chlamydia is gram negative bacteria and sometimes it may also cause infections on the genitals of children and adults. Bacterium of group Serovars D-K causes this chronic follicular conjunctivitis.
Symptoms :
Some of the common signs of trachoma are fluid like discharge from the eyes and cloudy cornea. The eyes become swollen due to the inflammation of the lymph nodes and for some children the eyelashes turn inward making it difficult to open the eyes. The lymph nodes of the ears may also develop swelling. The white part of the eyes may become reddish and painful.