TRACHOMA BODIES

Inclusion bodies in trachoma.

THE epithelial-cell inclusion, which is characteristically found in the early stages of trachoma was first described by Halberstaedter and Prowazek (1907). Since that time, a considerable literature concerning the nature of these bodies has accumulated. It is generally conceded that they consist of virus particles together with material elaborated by the virus and/or produced by the parasitized...

Experiments on the Cultivation of so Called Trachoma Bodies

1. An organism was isolated and studied in pure cultures from cases of conjunctivitis accompanied by the so called trachoma body inclusions, as well as from a case of old trachoma without inclusions. 2. This organism was not found in the cultures made from other forms of conjunctivitis in which the inclusions were absent. 3. The organism presents the morphological features characteristic of so ...

Staining of the inclusion bodies of trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis.

THE first description of the inclusion bodies of trachoma was made by Halberstaedter and von Prowazek following the examination of Giemsa-stained scrapings from the conjunctivae of baboons which had been inoculated with secretions from trachomatous patients (cf. Julianelle, 1938). Since then Giemsa and its modifications have held prime place as a means of demonstrating these structures and this...

Trachoma

Trachoma.

Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness. It is caused by ocular serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis. Transmission is favoured in poor communities, where crowding is common and access to water and sanitation inadequate. Repeated reinfection over many years causes dense scarring of the upper eyelid. The resultant inversion of the lashes abrades the eyeball, and the abrasion leads ...