Epidemiologic Observations on Cases of Buruli Ulcer seen at St. Martin's Hospital in Amansie West District in Ghana

Abstract

This article describes 50 cases of Mycobacterium ulcerations infection (Buruli Ulcer) treated at St. Martin’s hospital in Amansie West district of Ghana from September 21st to November 30th 1992 of these 50 cases, 58% were female; 66% were children under 14 years of age and 76% were not immunized with bacilli Calmette-Gurdu (BCG). Painless swelling was the most common pressuring complaint (80%). It was mainly found on the lower limb (48%). Knowledge of the causal agent among the cases was poor. They relied on herbal preparation (54%) to treat disease. Research to find an effective treatment for this calamity is urgently needed