Buruli Ulcer is a severe and necrotizing infection of the skin and soft tissues. In Cameroon's Central Region, specifically in the Nyong-et-Mfoumou Department, Buruli ulcer patients are stigmatized and vulnerable, putting them at high risk for HIV. The Akonolinga District Hospital is the site we chose to survey the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, HIV status, and factors influencing HIV infection of Buruli ulcer patients. Of the 107 Buruli ulcer patients, 28 patients tested HIV positive. The correlation between HIV infection and patient behavior was statistically significant with the number of partners (P=0.01) and household fragility (P=0.000). Patients with Buruli ulcer were more likely to contract HIV infection because of their social and psychological vulnerability.
Buruli Ulcer is a severe and necrotizing infection of the skin and soft tissues. In Cameroon's Central Region, specifically in the Nyong-et-Mfoumou Department, Buruli ulcer patients are stigmatized and vulnerable, putting them at high risk for HIV. The Akonolinga District Hospital is the site we chose to survey the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, HIV status, and factors influencing HIV infection of Buruli ulcer patients. Of the 107 Buruli ulcer patients, 28 patients tested HIV positive. The correlation between HIV infection and patient behavior was statistically significant with the number of partners (P=0.01) and household fragility (P=0.000). Patients with Buruli ulcer were more likely to contract HIV infection because of their social and psychological vulnerability.
