Doherty Institute - Research Publications

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Author: O'Brien, Daniel × End date: 2022 × Start date: 2020 ×

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    Environmental risk factors associated with the presence of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Victoria, Australia
    Blasdell, KR ; McNamara, B ; O'Brien, DP ; Tachedjian, M ; Boyd, V ; Dunn, M ; Mee, PT ; Clayton, S ; Gaburro, J ; Smith, I ; Gibney, KB ; Tay, EL ; Hobbs, EC ; Waidyatillake, N ; Lynch, SE ; Stinear, TP ; Athan, E ; Becker, D (PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE, 2022-09-13)
    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.
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    Buruli ulcer: a new case definition for Victoria
    Betts, JM ; Tay, EL ; Johnson, PDR ; Lavender, CJ ; Gibney, KB ; O'Brien, DP ; Globan, M ; Tzimourtas, N ; O'Hara, MA ; Crouch, SR (AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, DEPT HEALTH & AGEING, 2020-12-21)
    Laboratory-confirmed infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans is currently notifiable to health departments in several jurisdictions. Accurate surveillance is imperative to understanding current and emerging areas of endemicity and to facilitate research into a neglected tropical disease with poorly-understood transmission dynamics. The state of Victoria currently reports some of the highest numbers of M. ulcerans cases in the world each year, with 340 cases notified in 2018 (an incidence of 5.5 per 100,000 population). In May 2019, a group of clinical, laboratory and public health experts met to discuss a new case definition for the surveillance of M. ulcerans disease in Victoria, incorporating clinical and epidemiological elements. The new case definition supports important public health messaging and actions for residents and visitors to popular tourist areas in Victoria.