Environmental risk factors associated with the presence of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Victoria, Australia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274627
• Publication Date: 2022-09-13T17:32:23Z
• Authors: Kim R. Blasdell; Bridgette McNamara; Daniel P. O’Brien; Mary Tachedjian; Victoria Boyd; Michael Dunn; Peter T. Mee; Simone Clayton; Julie Gaburro; Ina Smith; Katherine B. Gibney; Ee Laine Tay; Emma C. Hobbs; Nilakshi Waidyati...; Stacey E. Lynch; Timothy P. Stinear; Eugene Athan
• Keywords: Mycobacterium ulcerans; Buruli ulcer

In recent years reported cases of Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans , have increased substantially in Victoria, Australia, with the epidemic also expanding geographically. To develop an understanding how M . circulates environment and transmits to humans we analyzed environmental samples collected from 115 properties ulcer postcode-matched control properties, for presence Environmental factors associated odds at a property included certain native plant species vegetation general, more alkaline soil, lower altitude, common ringtail possums ( Pseudocheirus peregrinus ) overhead powerlines. However, only powerlines absence Melaleuca lanceolata were case properties. Samples positive likely be found detections possum feces, supporting hypothesis that is zoonotic, strongest reservoir host candidate. disparity risk versus indicates involvement human behavior or influence other disease acquisition requires further study.