Buruli ulcer and HIV
Until now, coinfection of HIV and Buruli ulcer has not been adequately investigated. However, currently available data on frequency of coinfection suggests this is an area of increasing concern. A study conducted from 2002–2003 found that HIV prevalence among patients with Buruli ulcer was higher (2.6%, 11/426) than among controls (0.3%, 2/613). In Benin, 6 (3.6%) out of 156 patients treated at Pobé Buruli Ulcer Treatment Center in 2006 were positive for HIV, and in 2010, 2 (1.5%) out of 135 patients were HIV positive. In the Akonolinga hospital, Cameroon, systematic HIV screening of all newly-hospitalized patients was introduced in 2008. Out of 60 adults tested, 20 were HIV positive (33%). However, as only Buruli ulcer adult patients with major lesions were tested, there is a bias in this estimate. The prevalence of HIV in Cameroon in 2008 was 5%. Most reported co-infected patients are females.
HIV weakens the immune system, making Buruli ulcer progress more aggressive and possibly affects the response to antibiotic treatment. Co-infected patients are often adults (>15 years old) who present with multifocal lesions and osteomyelitis.
Although further studies are required to improve our understanding of this issue, the management of Buruli ulcer/HIV co-infection may follow the guidelines for managing TB/HIV co-infection.
HIV counselling and testing should be offered for all patients presenting with BU.
Buruli ulcer/HIV co-infected patients should be screened for tuberculosis.
For TB, Buruli ulcer/HIV co-infected patients may receive early antiretroviral treatment to ensure a better response to treatment.
Buruli ulcer Fact sheets
August 2012
WHO meeting on Buruli ulcer control and research
25–27 March 2013, WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
WHA Resolution on Buruli ulcer
In May 2004, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a resolution to improve the surveillance and control of BU and accelerate research to develop better tools for its control and prevention.
Declarations on Buruli ulcer
Cotonou Declaration on Buruli ulcer (2009)
Yamoussoukro Declaration
More
Technical publications
These include a Provisional guidance on the role of anitibiotics in the management of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer), two manuals on the Management and Diagnosis of the disease, and a monograph on the disease.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials
These include a guide for field health workers, a poster, a leaflet and a comic book.
See materials
Documentaries on Buruli ulcer
This short advocacy film depicts the tragedy of Buruli ulcer, an infectious disease that destroys large areas of skin when detected and treated late. Against this tragic backdrop, the overarching message is one of hope and promise, thanks to the introduction of antibiotics. Using facts, figures, and moving testimonials, the film brings much good news.
More about the videos
