Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA Not Detected in Faecal Samples from Buruli Ulcer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Sarfo Fred S., Lavender Caroline J., Fyfe Janet A. M., Johnson Paul D. R., Stinear Timothy P., Phillips Richard O.
Primary Institution: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Hypothesis
Humans might also harbour M. ulcerans in their gastrointestinal tract and shed the bacterium in their faeces.
Conclusion
The human gastrointestinal tract is unlikely to be a significant reservoir of M. ulcerans.
Supporting Evidence
- All 67 specimens tested negative for M. ulcerans DNA.
- The detection sensitivity of the method was ≥104 bacteria per gram of faecal material.
- The study suggests humans do not shed detectable levels of M. ulcerans in their faeces.
Takeaway
The study found that people with Buruli ulcer do not have M. ulcerans bacteria in their poop, unlike some animals that do.
Methodology
Faecal swabs were collected from 26 confirmed BU patients and 31 healthy controls, and tested for M. ulcerans DNA using IS2404 qPCR.
Limitations
The study is a pilot with a small sample size and convenience sampling from two endemic regions.
Participant Demographics
26 BU patients (age 2-37, 17 males, 9 females) and 31 healthy controls (age 3-82, 13 males, 18 females).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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