Abstract
Background Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) is the most widespread mycobacterial disease in the world after leprosy and tuberculosis. How M. ulcerans is introduced into the skin of humans remains unclear, but it appears that individuals living in the same environment may have different susceptibilities.ObjectivesThis study aims to determine whether frequent contacts with natural water sources, family relationship or the practice of consanguineous marriages are associated with the occurrence of Buruli ulcer (BU).DesignCase control study.SettingDepartment of Atlantique, Benin.SubjectsBU-confirmed cases that were diagnosed and followed up at the BU detection and treatment center (CDTUB) of Allada (Department of the Atlantique, Benin) during the period from January 1st, 2006, to June 30th, 2008, with three matched controls (persons who had no signs or symptoms of active or inactive BU) for age, gender and village of residence per case.Main Outcomes MeasuredContact with natural water sources, BU history in the family and the practice of consanguineous marriages.ResultsA total of 416 participants were included in this study, including 104 cases and 312 controls. BU history in the family (p<0.001), adjusted by daily contact with a natural water source (p = 0.007), was significantly associated with higher odds of having BU (OR; 95% CI = 5.5; 3.0–10.0). The practice of consanguineous marriage was not associated with the occurrence of BU (p = 0.40). Mendelian disorders could explain this finding, which may influence individual susceptibility by impairing immunity.ConclusionThis study suggests that a combination of genetic factors and behavioral risk factors may increase the susceptibility for developing BU.
Highlights
Mycobacterium ulcerans disease, commonly named Buruli Ulcer (BU), is the most common mycobacterial disease in the world after leprosy and tuberculosis
Buruli ulcer (BU) history in the family (p,0.001), adjusted by daily contact with a natural water source (p = 0.007), was significantly associated with higher odds of having BU (OR; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 5.5; 3.0–10.0)
This study suggests that a combination of genetic factors and behavioral risk factors may increase the susceptibility for developing BU
Summary
Mycobacterium ulcerans disease, commonly named Buruli Ulcer (BU), is the most common mycobacterial disease in the world after leprosy and tuberculosis. This emerging disease has been reported in more than 30 countries in Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Asia [1] causing immense human suffering [2,3], while its prevalence in most endemic countries is uncertain [4]. How exactly M. ulcerans is introduced into the skin of humans remains unknown, but in contrast to tuberculosis (TB) or leprosy, the infection is acquired directly or indirectly from the environment and not through contact with other patients [5]. How M. ulcerans is introduced into the skin of humans remains unclear, but it appears that individuals living in the same environment may have different susceptibilities
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