Nutritional approach to management of Buruli ulcer in Côte d'Ivoire.

Children in developing tropical countries are frequently undernourished. In rural areas, they are also often affected by Buruli ulcers. The treatment of this mutilating disease is sometime long and difficult for malnourished patients. Moreover, the eating behavior of patients with Buruli ulcers does not promote its quick healing, with numerous foods prohibited. They eat fewer fruits and legumes, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Our survey in two health centers showed that only 8% ate fruits and legumes, and 29% leafy greens. This food deprivation increases their nutritional deficiencies. We conducted a nutritional intervention among Buruli ulcer patients (30 patients) in one center, and compared their healing with that of Buruli patients without nutritional care (n = 21). Those patients who received the intervention spent less time at the hospital (less than six months). Our study shows the association between the healing of Buruli ulcers in Côte d'Ivoire and good nutritional status: those with the intervention healed faster and presented fewer disabilities than the control patients.

Phytotherapy against buruli ulcer in the Health District of Yamoussoukro (Cote d'Ivoire) : Identification, description, and symbolic functions of the plants and recipes used.

This study aims to describe the plants and recipes proposed by traditional healers against Buruli ulcer in Côte d'Ivoire and to analyze their symbolic aspects. Buruli ulcer is an increasingly serious health problem in Côte d'Ivoire. The ivorian state through the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme and its partners, has developed various actions to fight that disease. Medical and surgical treatments are offered free of charge to patients. Hundreds of health centers in different health districts have been converted into Buruli ulcer management centers. Despite these actions, traditional treatment continues to dominate the treatment journey. In rural areas, traditional healers provide management for Buruli ulcer. This qualitative and descriptive study studied 4 traditional healers and 37 patients at the Kongouanou care center. The traditional healers offer patients products that are disinfectants and ointments prepared from leaves, bark, roots, and fruits of different plants. The modes of treatment are supported by both dietary restrictions and a set of symbolic elements. Several reasons explain the predominance of traditional medicine in patients' treatment routes, although none of the patients interviewed was cured. It is, however, appropriate to establish collaboration with traditional healers to promote early detection and immediate recourse to specialized treatment centers.