Thermotherapy of Buruli Ulcer at Community Level, Cameroon

Treatment of the neglected tropical skin disease Buruli Ulcer (BU) relies currently on a single drug, rifampicin, which is given in combination with streptomycin. Development of an alternative treatment modality for patients suffering from severe side effects of the antibiotic treatment and in view of the potential emergence of rifampicin-resistant M. ulcerans mutants appears most desirable. Our hospital based clinical trial has shown that heat therapy with cheap bags filled with phase change materials is an effective alternative. We now want to show that this treatment can also be performed outside of the hospital environment close to the home of patients.

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