Prevalence, impact and solutions to Buruli ulcer disease in Nigeria: a review

Background: Buruli ulcer (BU) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. This review brought to the fore the prevalence, burden and solutions to BU disease in Nigeria. Methodology: A systematic search of literature was conducted using the following search engines, Google, PubMed, Google Scholar, Infolep, WHO website, Web of Science, African Journal Online, Biomed central and BASE Search. A total of 74 articles were found and 30 were included in the review. The searches were done between September and November 2022. Results: In communities in Nigeria where BU is endemic, myths and cultural values and traditions constitute barriers to the management and control of the disease. BU patients have very long delays before diagnosis and long hospitalization during treatment. This delay in diagnosis is responsible for the high healthcare costs with accompanying deformities and disabilities. Even though the mortality rate from BU is low, the burden has both economic and social dimensions. The patients are stigmatized mainly due to the poor community knowledge of the disease, hence experience social isolation and suffer job losses and high school drop-out rates. Conclusion: The burden of BU in Nigeria is high. The patients present late which worsens the socio-economic impact of the disease. Increasing awareness of BU among the populace is very essential. Involvement and orientation of traditional healers could facilitate early referral of cases. There is need to decentralize BU treatment services. The mental health needs of BU patients during and after treatment should be given utmost priority.