Management of Buruli Ulcer–HIV Coinfection - Technical Update

Areas of Africa endemic for Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, also have a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with adult prevalence rates between 1% and 5%. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of BU–HIV coinfection. Preliminary evidence suggests that HIV infection may increase the risk of BU disease. In the Médecins Sans Frontières project in Akonolinga, Cameroon, HIV prevalence was approximately 3–6 times higher among BU patients than the regional estimated HIV prevalence. Similarly in Benin and Ghana, BU patients were 8 times and 3 times respectively more likely to have HIV infection than those without BU. Further study is needed to clarify this association and enhance knowledge about the prevalence of BU–HIV coinfection in endemic areas.