Papillary trachoma is a medical condition caused by chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye. The word "papillary" is pronounced /pəˈpɪləri/ (puh-PIL-uh-ree) and refers to the characteristic small bumps or elevations found on the surface of the eye in cases of trachoma. Meanwhile, "trachoma" is pronounced /trəˈkoʊmə/ (truh-KOH-muh) and refers to the bacterial infection that causes the inflammation. The spelling of this word may be challenging due to the use of symbols and unfamiliar combinations of letters, but accurate pronunciation is important in medical communication.
Papillary trachoma is a form of trachoma, also known as granular conjunctivitis, that is characterized by the presence of papillae on the inner surface of the eyelids. Trachoma is a chronic infectious eye disease caused by certain strains of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
Papillary trachoma typically occurs in the late stages of the disease, after repeated episodes of infection and inflammation. It is most commonly found in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. Children are particularly susceptible to contracting trachoma, although it can affect people of all ages.
The presence of papillae, which are small raised bumps or nodules, on the inner surface of the eyelids is a hallmark of papillary trachoma. These papillae result from the body's immune response to the chronic infection, leading to the formation of granulation tissue. The papillae can cause discomfort, irritation, and build-up of scar tissue, ultimately leading to structural changes in the eyelids and cornea, which can result in visual impairment and blindness if left untreated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified papillary trachoma as a neglected tropical disease due to its association with poverty, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and limited healthcare services. Treatment of papillary trachoma typically involves a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the underlying bacterial infection, as well as hygiene measures to prevent transmission and reduce reinfection rates. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct eyelid deformities and prevent further damage to the eye.
A form in which the granulations are acuminate and red.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "papillary trachoma" can be broken down into two parts: "papillary" and "trachoma".
1. "Papillary" is derived from the noun "papilla" (plural: "papillae"), which comes from Latin. The Latin word "papilla" refers to a small, nipple-like projection or bump. In the context of "papillary trachoma", it refers to the characteristic of small, elevated bumps or granulations observed in the inner surface of the eyelids affected by trachoma.
2. "Trachoma" is derived from the Greek word "trachoma", meaning "roughness" or "rough thing". The term "trachoma" is used to describe a chronic bacterial infection of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.