Global Epidemiology of Buruli Ulcer, 2010-2017, and Analysis of 2014 WHO Programmatic Targets

Overview

Journal Emerg Infect Dis

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2019 Nov 20

PMID 31742506

Citations 28

Authors

Till F Omansen

Alfred Erbowor-Becksen

Rie Yotsu

Tjip S van der Werf

Alexander Tiendrebeogo

Lise Grout

Kingsley Asiedu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease caused by Myocobacterium ulcerans; it manifests as a skin lesion, nodule, or ulcer that can be extensive and disabling. To assess the global burden and the progress on disease control, we analyzed epidemiologic data reported by countries to the World Health Organization during 2010-2017. During this period, 23,206 cases of Buruli ulcer were reported. Globally, cases declined to 2,217 in 2017, but local epidemics seem to arise, such as in Australia and Liberia. In 2013, the World Health Organization formulated 4 programmatic targets for Buruli ulcer that addressed PCR confirmation, occurrence of category III (extensive) lesions and ulcerative lesions, and movement limitation caused by the disease. In 2014, only the movement limitation goal was met, and in 2019, none are met, on a global average. Our findings support discussion on future Buruli ulcer policy and post-2020 programmatic targets.

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