Trachoma and vitamin A deficiency

Both vitamin A deficiency and trachoma are important causes of preventable ocular diseases. We examined 10 559 children in Mali for clinical signs of trachoma and of xerophthalmia. In five regions, the mean prevalence of trachoma was 39·3% (95% CI: 37·4–41·2). Clinical xerophthalmia was present among 1·89 % of children (1·59–2·25). The diagnosis of xerophthalmia appeared to be associated with active trachoma (OR=204 [1·52–2·74]). This association remained after controlling for socio-economic status.