Laboratory Confirmation of Buruli Ulcer Disease in Togo, 2007–2010
Author Information
Author(s): Bretzel Gisela, Huber Kristina Lydia, Kobara Basil, Beissner Marcus, Piten Ebekalisai, Herbinger Karl-Heinz, Wiedemann Franz Xaver, Amekuse Komi, Banla Kere Abiba, Helfrich Kerstin, Fleischmann Erna, Löscher Thomas, Diefenhardt Adolf, Nitschke Jörg
Primary Institution: Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
Hypothesis
Can systematic laboratory analysis improve the confirmation rate of Buruli ulcer disease in Togo?
Conclusion
The study confirms a significant prevalence of Buruli ulcer disease in Togo and shows that improved training increased the PCR confirmation rate.
Supporting Evidence
- Out of 202 suspected BUD cases, 109 were confirmed as BUD patients.
- The overall PCR case confirmation rate was 54.0%.
- Intensified training increased the PCR confirmation rate from below 50% to 70%.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people in Togo really have Buruli ulcer disease by testing samples from patients, and they found that more than half of the suspected cases were confirmed.
Methodology
The study involved collecting diagnostic samples from suspected Buruli ulcer cases and analyzing them using PCR and microscopy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the focus on Maritime Region and reliance on standardized forms for patient data.
Limitations
The study did not confirm the prevalence of Buruli ulcer outside the Maritime Region and lacked specific questionnaires for risk factor analysis.
Participant Demographics
The age range of participants was 1–72 years, with a mean age of 24.8 years; 39.6% were children aged 5–14 years, and 56.4% were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website