DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihag101 ISSN: 1876-3413
Lessons from a multi-country study into persistent and recrudescent trachoma
Emma Michelle Taylor, Michael Dejene, Ana Bakhtiari, Emilienne Epee, Katherine Gass, Sarah Gwyn, Emma M Harding-Esch, James T Hokonya, Jennifer L Hsieh, Cristina Jimenez, Fikreab Kebede, Diana L Martin, Consity Mwale, Scott D Nash, Nicholas Olobio, Rapheal Opon, Titus Watitu, Mohamed BahAbstract
This article summarizes the key lessons learned from a six-country study that collected data on complementary indicators related to Chlamydia trachomatis infection to better understand persistent and recrudescent trachoma. It highlights the practical challenges associated with adding these complementary indicators to routine trachoma surveys (often called ‘plus’ surveys) and suggests ways to address them. Although more complicated and costly to conduct, ‘plus’ surveys can improve data for programmatic decision-making and may enable some countries to reach elimination targets sooner.