New Cases of Buruli Ulcer in Angola and DRC
Author Information
Author(s): Kibadi Kapay, Panda Mbutu, Tamfum Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Fraga Alexandra G., Filho Adhemar Longatto, Anyo Gladys, Pedrosa Jorge, Nakazawa Yoshinori, Suykerbuyk Patrick, Meyers Wayne M., Portaels Françoise
Primary Institution: Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
Hypothesis
Is artisanal alluvial mining a risk factor for Buruli ulcer?
Conclusion
The study found that three patients with Buruli ulcer were likely infected while engaging in alluvial mining activities along the Kwango/Cuango River.
Supporting Evidence
- Buruli ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and is prevalent in Africa.
- The patients had large ulcers and were treated with rifampin and streptomycin.
- No relapses were observed after follow-up periods of 42, 30, and 28 months.
Takeaway
Three people got a skin disease called Buruli ulcer after working in diamond mines near a river. They got better after treatment.
Methodology
The study involved three patients with laboratory-confirmed Buruli ulcer, treated according to WHO recommendations.
Limitations
The frequency of Buruli ulcer in Angola is not well documented, and further surveys are needed.
Participant Demographics
All patients were residents of Kinshasa, DRC, with ages 13, 28, and 30 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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