Streptomycin injections for the treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli ulcer) in a rural health zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study conducted in a rural zone of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in two groups of 14 patients with Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, also known as Buruli ulcer. The first group underwent the treatment recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO): rifampicin and streptomycin, combined with surgery. They were surveyed after treatment, while the control group was awaiting the onset of treatment. Most patients in this study were children. The patients in first group found the treatment acceptable, although the patients in both groups preferred to avoid surgery. Patients' knowledge about the effects of streptomycin was rather poor: 58% in the first group and 28% in the second had inadequate knowledge. In the first group, 70% found the injections acceptable, and in the second group, 57%. Most patients would prefer oral administration of a different but equally effective drug rather than injected streptomycin.