Mass antibiotic treatment and community protection in trachoma control programs.

Chidambaram, Jaya D; Melese, Muluken; Alemayehu, Wondu; Yi, Elizabeth; Prabriputaloong, Tisha; Lee, David C; Cevallos, Vicky; Zhou, Zhaoxia et al. · Clin Infect Dis · 2004

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Abstract

Azithromycin is highly effective against trachoma, but the practical difficulties of community-wide distribution often leave many individuals untreated. We demonstrate, after mass azithromycin treatment of a population in Ethiopia, an indirect protective effect that occurred among untreated children who resided in villages in which most individuals had been treated. Similarities with the indirect protection within a treated community (i.e., "herd protection") that has been observed in vaccination programs are discussed.

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