Buruli Ulcer "Mbasu"

As we reach the end of this study, we must conclude that Buruli ulcer ("Mbasu") is a condition that has existed for several decades in Africa in general and in the DRC in particular. The mode of transmission of this disease remained unclear for many years. The mystery surrounding this disease no longer exists, yet the vast majority of the African population-who are Congolese-still hold onto the beliefs and theories put forward in the 20th century by various figures regarding Buruli ulcer ("Mbasu"). Today, this disease is curable through a combination of several antibiotics. At the referral hospital, for example, treatment for Buruli ulcer is free, and all patients who seek care early are easily cured. The advanced stage of the disease by the time patients sometimes arrive at the hospital complicates treatment and allows certain opportunistic infections linked to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, etc., to take hold and further destroy cells already infected by Mycobacterium ulcans, thereby causing the patient's rapid death. There are also significant social consequences associated with Buruli ulcer ("Mbasu").