Buruli Ulcer Cases in Batemans Bay, Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Hossain Mehrab E, Keighley Caitlin, Buultjens Andrew H., Porter Jessica L., Johnson Paul D. R., Stinear Timothy P., Globan Maria, Lavender Caroline J., Lacey Jake A., Sherry Norelle L., Forsyth Anton, Formby Mark, Marr Ian
Primary Institution: Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Canberra Hospital, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Hypothesis
Is Batemans Bay a new endemic focus for Buruli ulcer transmission?
Conclusion
The study identifies Batemans Bay as a new endemic area for Buruli ulcer, with distinct Mycobacterium ulcerans genotypes found in local cases.
Supporting Evidence
- Genomic analysis showed that the bacterial isolates from the cases were identical but belonged to a distinct M. ulcerans clade.
- Surveys of possum excreta confirmed the presence of M. ulcerans in the local wildlife reservoir.
- The study suggests that the emergence of Buruli ulcer in Batemans Bay may indicate a risk for further spread in coastal NSW.
Takeaway
Two people in Batemans Bay got a skin infection called Buruli ulcer, which is caused by a germ found in local possums. This means the area might have a new place where this infection spreads.
Methodology
The study involved genomic analysis of bacterial isolates from two cases of Buruli ulcer and a survey of possum excreta for Mycobacterium ulcerans.
Limitations
The possum excreta survey had a small sample size and limited geographic scope.
Participant Demographics
Two Caucasian males, aged 94 and 71.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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