Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and opportunistic trachoma screening in an Indigenous community in the Northern Territory, 2011

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and opportunistic trachoma screening in an Indigenous community in the Northern Territory, 2011 Journal Article

Northern Territory Disease Control Bulletin

• Author(s): Mansfield, Kezia, Gunn, Jennie, Wilson, Nicole, Scott, Lesley
• Published: 2011
• Volume: 18

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Abstract: Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) outbreaks are sporadically seen in the Northern Territory (NT), although their global prevalence is declining. We report the methodology and results of a large-scale interventional program initiated after 1 such outbreak, and provide feedback on achievements and limitations to guide further public health response field trips. Children between the ages of 1 and 17 years were screened for signs of glomerulonephritis, skin sores, and scabies. Of the targeted population 56.8% were able to be screened, 40.5% of whom were found to have skin sores requiring treatment and 3.1% of whom had scabies. Screening for trachoma was also opportunistically undertaken on a subset of this population (those aged 4 to 17 years). Overall, 19 cases of trachoma were found 18 of 19 were aged <10 years signifying a prevalence of 5.4% of those screened. In this context we discuss the methodology behind the screening and public health response with the aim of improving access and participation in future screening programs.

• Urls: https://web.archive.org/web/20130513113359/http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/67/00.pdf&siteID=1&str_title=Bulletin%20December%202011.pdf
• Keywords: Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, APSGN, Group A streptococcus, GAS, trachoma, public health response