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Unraveling an emerging disease associated with disturbed aquatic environments: the case of Buruli ulcer
Author(s) -
Merritt Richard W.,
Benbow M Eric,
Small Pamela LC
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/1540-9295(2005)003[0323:uaedaw]2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - mycobacterium ulcerans , buruli ulcer , biology , ecology , aquatic ecosystem , invertebrate , detritus , tropical disease , disease , medicine , pathology
Buruli ulcer ( Mycobacterium ulcerans infection) is an emerging disease of developing tropical and subtropical countries. This environmental mycobacterium causes severe morbidity in communities associated with rivers and standing water bodies (particularly those created as a result of human environmental disturbance such as deforestation and agriculture) and subsequent water quality changes. Neither the reservoir nor the mode of transmission is known, but data from laboratory studies suggest that biting aquatic insects may be involved. M ulcerans has been shown to colonize and grow within specific water bugs (Naucoridae), which then transmit M ulcerans to mice through their bites. PCR evidence suggests that the mycobacterium is present in water, biofilms of aquatic plants, detritus, invertebrates, and fish; however, systematic ecological studies that would provide a more comprehensive understanding of M ulcerans distribution in the environment have been lacking. Several hypotheses are explored in relation to human impacts on aquatic food webs and M ulcerans ecology.