Does skin surface temperature variation account for Buruli ulcer lesion distribution?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Buruli ulcer is a necrotising infection of skin and soft tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Buruli ulcer most often occurs on limbs, and it is hypothesized this is explained by direct exposure to the environment. However, even on exposed areas Buruli ulcer is not randomly distributed. M. ulcerans prefers an in vitro temperature of 30-33°C and growth is inhibited at higher temperatures. This study investigated whether variations in skin surface temperature distribution in healthy volunteers could partly account for Buruli ulcer lesion distribution.

Methodology/principal findings

In this observational study, a thermal camera (FLIR E8) was used to measure skin surface temperature at the sternal notch and at 44 predetermined locations on the limbs

SUBMITTER: Sexton-Oates NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7192506 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature