Persistence of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli Ulcer) in the historical focus of Kasongo Territory, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2009
Authors:P. Suykerbuyk, Wambacq, J., Phanzu, D. M., Haruna, H., Nakazawa, Y., Ooms, K., Kamango, K., Stragier, P., Singa, J. N., Ekwanzala, F., De Herdt, E., De Maeyer, P., Kestens, L., Portaels, F.
Journal:Am J Trop Med Hyg
Volume:81
Issue:5
Pagination:888-94
Date Published:2009 Nov
ISSN:1476-1645
Keywords:Adolescent, Adult, Age Distribution, Aged, Buruli Ulcer, Child, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Sex Characteristics, Young Adult
Abstract:

Fifty years after the last report of Mycobacterium ulcerans infections (Buruli ulcer [BU]) in Kasongo Territory, Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we conducted a small-scale cross-sectional survey to assess if this historical BU focus was still active and if so to explore the disease epidemiology. Seventy-five active and inactive BU cases were identified on clinical grounds of which two of 28 BU active cases were laboratory confirmed. We used a modified BU02 form to reconstruct the local disease dynamics and we believe that the horrific conflict in eastern DRC and exceptional flooding were the most likely causes of the re-emergence of the disease. There is a need in the DRC to decentralize and integrate surveillance and control activities at local level to increase the effectiveness of patient management.

DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.2009.09-0049
Alternate Journal:Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg.
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith