Persistence of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli Ulcer) in the historical focus of Kasongo Territory, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009 Nov;81(5):888-94. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2009.09-0049.

Abstract

Fifty years after the last report of Mycobacterium ulcerans infections (Buruli ulcer [BU]) in Kasongo Territory, Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we conducted a small-scale cross-sectional survey to assess if this historical BU focus was still active and if so to explore the disease epidemiology. Seventy-five active and inactive BU cases were identified on clinical grounds of which two of 28 BU active cases were laboratory confirmed. We used a modified BU02 form to reconstruct the local disease dynamics and we believe that the horrific conflict in eastern DRC and exceptional flooding were the most likely causes of the re-emergence of the disease. There is a need in the DRC to decentralize and integrate surveillance and control activities at local level to increase the effectiveness of patient management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Buruli Ulcer / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium ulcerans*
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Young Adult