RESUMO
Little is known about the epidemiology of trachoma in the Mossi plateau of Burkina Faso and the recent drought could have modified the transmission of the disease. A study population of 82,187 was surveyed using a cluster sample technique. A total of 1,841 people in 108 compounds were included in 18 villages. Data concerning trachoma were collected during six weeks of fieldwork in July 1991, during which local health workers were trained in trachoma and primary health care in ophthalmology. Active trachoma prevalence rises in infancy to reach a peak of about 13% (95% CI 3-23) in the 2 to 5 years old age groups, and then falls to less than 2% prevalence in 30 to 49 age group. Trachoma scarring is almost non-existent and trichiasis was not seen. Active disease was significantly more prevalent in female (prevalence ratio = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.34-2.90) and this difference was present from the age of 3 years. Active trachoma above the age of 30 was more likely to be intense than follicular (p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). Because of a low prevalence of active disease and because trichiasis is absent, trachoma is not a major health problem in the Sabou area, Burkina Faso. Girls are more affected by active disease than boys and inflammatory trachoma in adults are usually intense in this setting.