Clinical Profile Of Buruli Ulcer Patients In A Referral Hospital In Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Buruli ulcer is a chronic, debilitating, necrotizing disease of the skin and soft tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Early detection and appropriate treatment of the patients are currently the most important measures for preventing the debilitating consequences of the disease. Objective: To assess the clinical profile of Buruli ulcer patients presenting in a referral hospital in Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among a cohort of 39 Buruli ulcer disease patients referred to a referral hospital in Anambra State between July and December 2021. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics and the clinical presentation of the patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22; with alpha set at p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: Twenty one (53.8%) of the study participants were males while 18 (46.2%) were females. Their mean age was 28.41±18.668. Active lesions in the form of ulcers were seen in 38 (97.4%) of the participants while lesions were seen in the lower limbs in 35 (87.2%) of them. Statistically significant association existed between the clinical presentation of Buruli ulcer disease and the occupation of the respondents (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Buruli ulcer still exists in the Nigeria and presents majorly with ulcers on the lower limbs. Public health efforts aimed at patient education and to assist with early detection of the disease to minimize associated morbidity should be instituted.