BURULIS ULCER - A RARELY KNOWN PATHOLOGY IN BENIN

Cutaneous Mycobacterium infection is an endemic disease in Mono, Oueme and Zou districts in the south of Benin, where it seems rarely known. The authors are reporting the results of a clinical, bacteriological, epidemiological and therapeutical study about 227 patients. Children are the principal targets of this disease. Ulceration are often seen i n a critical step (3 or 4) and acid-fast bacilli have been found from 189 of 227 patients tested by bacilloscopy (smear microscopy). Medical treatments (antituberculosis and antileprosis drugs) are still disapp ointing. Also when necessary, surgery is done (broad excision, skin tr ansplant afterwards) with promising results. However, complications li ke deformities and flexion contractors can persist after surgical trea tment. In the south Benin, Buruli's ulcers are one of the major public health problems.