In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 17, No. 9 ( 2022-9-13), p. e0274627-
Abstract:
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 of how M . ulcerans circulates in the environment and transmits to humans we analyzed environmental samples collected from 115 properties of recent Buruli ulcer cases and from 115 postcode-matched control properties, for the presence of M . ulcerans . Environmental factors associated with increased odds of M . ulcerans presence at a property included certain native plant species and native vegetation in general, more alkaline soil, lower altitude, the presence of common ringtail possums ( Pseudocheirus peregrinus ) and overhead powerlines. However, only overhead powerlines and the absence of the native plant Melaleuca lanceolata were associated with Buruli ulcer case properties. Samples positive for M . ulcerans were more likely to be found at case properties and were associated with detections of M . ulcerans in ringtail possum feces, supporting the hypothesis that M . ulcerans is zoonotic, with ringtail possums the strongest reservoir host candidate. However, the disparity in environmental risk factors associated with M . ulcerans positive properties versus case properties indicates the involvement of human behavior or the influence of other environmental factors in disease acquisition that requires further study.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.t003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.t004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.t005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s008
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s009
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s010
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0274627.s011
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
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