Risk of Buruli Ulcer and Detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Mosquitoes in Southeastern Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Caroline J. Lavender, Janet A. M. Fyfe, Joseph Azuolas, Karen Brown, Rachel N. Evans, Lyndon R. Ray, Paul D. R. Johnson
Primary Institution: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hypothesis
Is there an association between the detection of M. ulcerans in mosquitoes and the risk of Buruli ulcer disease in humans?
Conclusion
The study found a strong association between the detection of M. ulcerans in mosquitoes and the incidence of Buruli ulcer in humans.
Supporting Evidence
- There was a strong dose-response relationship between M. ulcerans detection in mosquitoes and BU incidence.
- 132 of the 183 BU cases were linked to the Bellarine Peninsula.
- The highest incidence of BU was found in Point Lonsdale, where M. ulcerans-positive mosquitoes were also most prevalent.
Takeaway
This study shows that mosquitoes might help spread a disease called Buruli ulcer, which can cause serious skin problems.
Methodology
Adult mosquitoes were trapped and tested for M. ulcerans DNA using real-time PCR, and the incidence of BU in local residents was calculated.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in mosquito trapping methods and case reporting.
Limitations
The study does not prove causation between mosquito presence and BU incidence.
Participant Demographics
The median age of BU patients was 61, with 58% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.92–0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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