Ribosomal RNA Evidence of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Following 3 Annual Mass Azithromycin Distributions in Communities With Highly Prevalent Trachoma

Twelve trachoma-hyperendemic communities were treated with 3 annual mass azithromycin distributions. Children aged 0–9 years were monitored 1 year following the third treatment. An RNA-based test detected ocular chlamydial infection in more children than did a DNA-based test (6.9% vs 4.2%), and in a larger number of communities (8 vs 7).