ISSN 2736-173X
African Journal of Malaria and Tropical Diseases ISSN 2736-173X Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-010, April, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Analyzing the Role of Environmental and Lifestyle Factors in Mycobacterium ulcerans Infections: Evidence from a Case-Control Study in Lalo, Benin
Anagonou Gimatal Esaï1,7*, Sopoh Ghislain Emmanuel2, Biaou Chabi Alphonse1,2, Barogui Yves Thierry3,7, Wadagni Anita Carolle1,2, Gnimavo Sètondji Ronald2,4, Ayelo Gilbert Adjimon5, Saka Kora Eric1, Houezo Jean Gabin1 and Johnson Roch Christian6,7
1National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program, Benin.
2Regional Institute of Public Health, Benin.
3Buruli Ulcer Screening and Treatment Center of Lalo, Benin.
4Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Screening and Treatment Center, Raoul et Madeleine Follereau of Pobè, Benin.
5Buruli Ulcer Screening and Treatment Center of Allada, Benin.
6Foundation Raoul Follereau, Benin.
7Inter-Faculty Environmental Research Center for Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Received 21 January, 2024; Accepted 3 March, 2024
Abstract
The mode of transmission of Buruli ulcer (BU) is not yet well understood. This study aimed to identify risk factors for BU in the district of Lalo in Benin. This is a case-control study taking into account all cases of BU detected from 2013 to 2018 and treated at the Buruli’s ulcer Screening and Treatment Center (CDTUB) of Lalo. For each case, two controls were matched according to age and sex. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare risk factors in cases and controls. A total of 59 BU cases and 118 controls were enrolled. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, illiteracy (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 18.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50-219.45), unawareness of BU risk factors (aOR = 48.21; 95% CI = 4.67-497.15), bathing in rivers or ponds (aOR = 23.66; 95% CI= 2.82-198.52), field activities in mud (aOR = 60.58; 95% CI = 7.44 – 493.09) and not wearing protective clothing during field activities (aOR = 42.78; 95% CI = 2.05 – 892.33) were associated with BU. It is necessary to mitigate risk factors by implementing actions in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and by insisting on the wearing of protective equipment during agricultural activities and/or contact with surface water.
Key words: Buruli ulcer, Mycobacterium ulcerans, risk factors, case-control study, Lalo.