Geographic Expansion of Buruli Ulcer Disease in Cameroon
Author Information
Author(s): Marion Estelle, Landier Jordi, Boisier Pascal, Marsollier Laurent, Fontanet Arnaud, Le Gall Philippe, Aubry Jacques, Djeunga Noumen, Umboock Alphonse, Eyangoh Sara
Primary Institution: Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
Hypothesis
Is the incidence of Buruli ulcer disease increasing in the Bankim district of Cameroon due to environmental changes?
Conclusion
The study confirms the expansion of Buruli ulcer disease in Cameroon, particularly in the Bankim district.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified a new endemic area for Buruli ulcer in the Bankim district.
- From 2007 to 2009, 195 suspected cases of Buruli ulcer were reported.
- The median age of patients decreased from 20 years in 2007 to 12 years in 2009.
- Laboratory confirmation of cases showed 10 out of 34 samples tested positive for M. ulcerans.
Takeaway
Buruli ulcer disease is spreading in a new area of Cameroon, possibly because of changes in the environment like the building of a dam.
Methodology
The study recorded all suspected cases of Buruli ulcer from January 2007 to June 2009 and performed laboratory confirmations on samples.
Limitations
The study does not clarify whether the disease is newly emerging or just newly recognized.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients was 19.5 years, with a significant trend of decreasing age over the study period.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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