Scientists from the University of Melbourne have shown that mosquitoes can transmit the microbe that causes Buruli ulcer from possums to humans. Researchers’ studies have been published magazine Nature Microbiology.
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a poorly understood infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Symptoms of this condition are ulcers with underlying necrotic content, occurring mainly on the skin of the extensor surfaces of the knee and elbow joints. It begins with a small mosquito bite and gradually develops over months, turning into an ulcer with extensive damage to the underlying tissue.
Like other types of mycobacteria (for example, the causative agents of tuberculosis and leprosy), Mycobacterium ulcerans is a very slow-growing, acid-fast microorganism. When planted on nutrient media, it takes 7-12 weeks for visible colonies to grow. The reservoirs of mycobacteria in nature have not been determined to date. It is assumed that this may be water from stagnant reservoirs, aquatic plants and some animals (especially possums, koalas and kangaroos). Until now, scientists weren’t sure exactly how people became infected with this bacteria.
“We collected mosquitoes and analyzed them to determine whether they carried pathogens and were associated with infected opossums and humans. Molecular testing showed that of the two most common mosquito species, only Aedes notoscriptus tested positive for Mycobacterium ulcerans. Scientists found it is the most common species in Australia.” He stated that it was one of the mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes bite an infected animal and then transmit it to humans through the same bite. While scientists recommended wearing clothes that protect the body from mosquitoes, they also urged people to use local insect repellents.
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