Percentage of cases and variables associated with Buruli ulcers in a sample of a West African population.

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Buruli ulcer (BU) is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by the environmental bacterium Microbacterium ulcerans. It is a major public health problem that particularly affects people living in remote rural areas of the African continent. Early diagnosis of this type of disease is crucial, both to predict the evolution of the disease and to establish protocols for early action against clinical manifestations and associated complications. The objective of this study was to determine the cases of Buruli ulcers in a sample of the population of Benin and to relate the variables most frequently found in patients with these ulcers. Methodology: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of individuals attending the Doga Plage nursing clinic from 20 to 30 July 2022. The variables were socio-demographic, clinical, environmental, questionnaire and Buruli ulcer classification scale according to the WHO. Results: Mean age of the sample was 38.2 years. 57% were men, 38% were under 25 years of age in both men and women. 23.5% of the individuals came to the clinic for BU.  88.4 % were first degree ulcers and the age group 7-12 years were more likely to manifest ulcers compared to the other groups. Conclusions: There was a positive relationship between the presence of ulcers in the studied group and the variables of having previous lesions, belonging to the 7-12 years subgroup and playing recreational roles on the shores of Lake Ahemé.