Detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans in the environment predicts prevalence of Buruli ulcer in Benin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer (BU). In West Africa there is an association between BU and residence in low-lying rural villages where aquatic sources are plentiful. Infection occurs through unknown environmental exposure; human-to-human infection is rare. Molecular evidence for M. ulcerans in environmental samples is well documented, but the association of M. ulcerans in the environment with Buruli ulcer has not been studied in West Africa in an area with accurate case data.

Methodology/principal finding

Environmental samples were collected from twenty-five villages in three communes of Benin. Sites sampled included 12 BU endemic villages within the Ouheme and Couffo River drainages and 13 villages near the Mono River and along the

SUBMITTER: Williamson HR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3269429 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature