Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 666

Full Length Research Paper

Environmental and behavioural factors associated with Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in the district of Lalo in Benin: A case-control study

Anagonou Gimatal Esaï
  • Anagonou Gimatal Esaï
  • National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program, Benin.
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Sopoh Ghislain Emmanuel
  • Sopoh Ghislain Emmanuel
  • Regional Institute of Public Health, Benin.
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Biaou Chabi Alphonse
  • Biaou Chabi Alphonse
  • National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program, Benin.
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Barogui Yves Thierry
  • Barogui Yves Thierry
  • Buruli Ulcer Screening and Treatment Center of Lalo, Benin.
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Wadagni Anita Carolle
  • Wadagni Anita Carolle
  • National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program, Benin.
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Gnimavo Sètondji Ronald
  • Gnimavo Sètondji Ronald
  • Regional Institute of Public Health, Benin.
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Ayelo Gilbert Adjimon
  • Ayelo Gilbert Adjimon
  • Buruli Ulcer Screening and Treatment Center of Allada, Benin.
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Saka Kora Eric
  • Saka Kora Eric
  • National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program, Benin.
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Houezo Jean Gabin
  • Houezo Jean Gabin
  • National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program, Benin.
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Johnson Roch Christian
  • Johnson Roch Christian
  • Foundation Raoul Follereau, Benin.
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  •  Received: 21 January 2021
  •  Accepted: 03 March 2021
  •  Published: 30 April 2021

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.

Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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