Gantrisin and madribon in trachoma.

ALTHOUGH the use of topical sulphonamides, as compared with antibiotics, is becoming less popular in the mass or community treatment of trachoma, the introduction of long-acting sulphonamides has renewed the interest of trachomatologists in their suitability for use in such programmes. Clinical trials with Lederkyn conducted by Bietti and Lanzieri (1957), Rochat (1958), Lanzieri and Latte (1960), Mann (1960), and Mitsui, Konishi, Kinouchi, and Kajima (1963) have shown that it was effective against trachoma and associated conjunctivitis even in small doses. As well as Lederkyn there are a number of other products (Madribon, Orisul, Bayrena, etc.) which it is claimed have similar properties, but which have not yet been put to adequate trial against irachoma. Recently, Hildenbrand (1961) reported encouraging results with combined therapy (local Gantrisin and oral Madribon tablets) in trachomatous cases. Nema, Bal, Nath, Mathur, and Shukla (1965), using Gantrisin in trachoma, obtained satisfactory results both by continuous and by intermittent schedules of treatment. The present double-blind study was therefore undertaken to assess the value of topical Gantrisin (sulphafurazole) and oral Madribon (sulphadimethoxine) tablets, alone or in combination, in trachomatous schoolchildren, using different schedules of administration.