Methods Conjunctival biopsy specimens were collected from 9 patients with active trachoma, 9 patients with scarred trachoma, 6 patients with active VKC and 9 control subjects. The presence and distribution of collagen was assessed microscopically with immunohistochemical techniques and a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against types I, III, IV and V collagen.

Results In normal conjunctiva, the staining for types I and III collagen was localised to the substantia propria. Type IV collagen was located in the epithelial, vascular endothelial and accessory lacrimal gland basement membranes. Staining for type V collagen was absent. New type V collagen deposition close to basement membranes was noted in active trachoma, scarred trachoma and VKC, The extent of deposition of type V collagen was markedly increased in scarred trachoma when compared with active trachoma. Staining for type IV collagen showed irregularly thickened epithelial basement membrane in active trachoma, and a marked increase in basement membrane type IV collagen was noted in scarred trachoma. Immunoreactivity of types I and III collagen increased in active trachoma and decreased in scarred trachoma. VKC conjunctiva contained increased amounts of types I,III and IV collagen due to marked increase in the thickness of vascular endothelial basement membrane and very prominent deposition of types I and III collagen around stromal vessels.

Conclusions Our data indicate new type V collagen formation in the conjunctiva from patients with active trachoma, scarred trachoma and VKC. Increased deposition of types I,III and IV collagen is noted in VKC and active trachoma. Our findings suggest that increased deposition of type IV collagen and new type V collagen formation contributes to the development of conjunctival fibrosis in scarred trachoma.