Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors for trachoma among primary school children in Datong City, China.
Methods: An epidemiological survey was carried out in Datong City in 2006. Children aged 6 to 14 years old in primary school were selected by a cluster sampling in which class shift was the sampling unit. Trachoma was clinically assessed according to the simplified classification for trachoma proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). If the child was clinically diagnosed as trachoma, a conjunctival swab would be taken for detecting C. trachomatis by antigen test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: A total of 1236 children were examined and 135 cases of trachoma were found, the prevalence of trachoma was 10.9% (95% CI: 9.2% - 12.6%). Follicular trachoma was found in 86.7% of the cases and intense trachoma in 13.3%. The overall prevalence of trachoma was higher for females than for males (13.1% versus 8.8%, P = 0.016). Thirteen (9.6%) cases were positive in C. trachomatis antigen test, and 86 (63.7%) cases were positive by PCR. Poor ocular hygiene and sharing wash cloth and face basin with households were the main risk factors.
Conclusion: Trachoma is endemic among primary school children in Datong City in China.