Smartphone photography as a possible method of post-validation trachoma surveillance in resource-limited settings. Issue 6 (22nd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Snyder, Blake M; Sié, Ali; Tapsoba, Charlemagne; Dah, Clarisse; Ouermi, Lucienne; Zakane, S Alphonse; Keenan, Jeremy D; Oldenburg, Catherine E
• Is Part Of: International health. Volume 11:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 613
• Page End: 615
• Publication Date: 2019-07-22
• Subjects: trachoma -- ophthalmology -- smartphone photography -- tele-ophthalmology -- health technologies -- prevention & control; World health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 362.1091724
• DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-3413

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Validation of trachoma elimination requires monitoring after discontinuation of trachoma program activities, though such evaluations are not commonly done. Methods: Conjunctival examinations and smartphone photography were performed on a random sample of pre-school children from 15 villages in a region of Burkina Faso thought to have eliminated trachoma. Results: No clinically active trachoma was detected by in-field or photographic evaluation. Smartphone images demonstrated high agreement with field grading (>99% concordance). Conclusions: Trachoma appears to have been eliminated from this area of Burkina Faso. Smartphone cameras may be a useful aid for monitoring in resource-limited settings.