Trachoma

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

The cause of trachoma is certain subtypes of Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium that can also cause the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.

Trachoma spreads through contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. Hands, clothing, towels and insects can all be routes for transmission. In the world's developing countries, flies are a major means of transmission.

DS00776

July 18, 2008

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