Landscape diversity related to Buruli ulcer disease in Cote d'Ivoire.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Buruli ulcer disease (BU), due to the bacteria Mycobacterium ulcerans, represents an important and emerging public health problem, especially in many African countries. Few elements are known nowadays about the routes of transmission of this environmental bacterium to the human population.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study, we have investigated the relationships between the incidence of BU in Côte d'Ivoire, western Africa, and a group of environmental variables. These environmental variables concern vegetation, crops (rice and banana), dams, and lakes. Using a geographical information system and multivariate analyses, we show a link between cases of BU and different environmental factors for the first time on a country-wide scale. As a result, irrigated

SUBMITTER: Brou T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2474700 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature