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Fanny Minime-Lingoupou,
Narcisse Beyam, Germain Zandanga,
Alexandre Manirakiza,
Alain N'Domackrah,
Simeon Njuimo,
Sara Eyangoh,
Jane Cottin,
Laurent Marsollier,
Estelle Marion,
Francoise Portaels,
Alain Le Faou,
Raymond Bercion
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ABSTRACT: To the Editor: Buruli ulcer, the third most common mycobacterial disease of humans after tuberculosis and leprosy, is an important disfiguring and disabling cutaneous infection disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Buruli ulcer was declared an emerging skin disease of public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998. Although the disease is known to be associated with swampy areas and environmental changes, the mode of transmission is not yet clearly understood. A possible role for water bugs in the transmission has been postulated in the last 10 years. In this direction, several researchers have proposed that biting water bugs could be vectors for M. ulcerans (1). M. ulcerans produces a potent toxin known as mycolactone (2), which lyses dermal cells, leading to the development of continuously expanding ulcers with undermined edges. Surgery is the only treatment for late lesions, which involves excision of necrotic tissues, followed by skin grafting. After such treatment, patients suffer from functional limitations, social stigmatization, and the loss of livelihood (3). Antimicrobial drug treatment is available (a combination of rifampin and streptomycin), but it is effective only for early lesions (4).
Emerging Infectious Diseases 04/2010; 16(4):746-8. · 6.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We investigated multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Bangui, Central African Republic. We found 39.6% with the same spoligotype and synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the mutT1 gene. However, strains had different rpoB mutations responsible for rifampin resistance. MDR strains in Bangui may emerge preferentially from a single, MDR-prone family.
Emerging infectious diseases 10/2006; 12(9):1454-6. · 6.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We assessed the performance of a serological test for tuberculosis (SDHO Laboratories Inc., Canada) in our setting. Among 68 of 99 suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were scored as having tuberculosis on the basis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-positive culture, the sensitivity of the serological test was lower than that of sputum smear microscopic examination (20.6% versus 80.9%, respectively; P < 0.000001).
Clinical and Vaccine Immunology 06/2006; 13(6):702-3. · 2.55 Impact Factor
