Improving clinical and epidemiological predictors of Buruli ulcer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a chronic necrotizing infectious skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The treatment with BU-specific antibiotics is initiated after clinical suspicion based on the WHO clinical and epidemiological criteria. This study aimed to estimate the predictive values of these criteria and how they could be improved.

Methodology/principal findings

A total of 224 consecutive patients presenting with skin and soft tissue lesions that could be compatible with BU, including those recognized as unlikely BU by experienced clinicians, were recruited in two BU treatment centers in southern Benin between March 2012 and March 2015. For each participant, the WHO and four additional epidemiological and clinical diagnostic criteria were recorded. For microb

SUBMITTER: Ayelo GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6095624 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature