Browsing by Author "Stienstra, Ymkje"

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    Mycobacterium ulcerans disease
    (Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2005-10) Phillips, Richard Odame; Werf, Tjip S. van der; Stienstra, Ymkje; Johnson, R. Christian; Adjei, Ohene; et. al
    Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) is an important health problem in several west African countries. It is prevalent in scattered foci around the world, predominantly in riverine areas with a humid, hot climate. We review the epidemiology, bacteriology, transmission, immunology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of infections. M. ulcerans is an ubiquitous micro-organism and is harboured by fish, snails, and water insects. The mode of transmission is unknown. Lesions are most common on exposed parts of the body, particularly on the limbs. Spontaneous healing may occur. Many patients in endemic areas present late with advanced, severe lesions. BCG vaccination yields a limited, relatively short-lived, immune protection. Recommended treatment consists of surgical debridement, followed by skin grafting if necessary. Many patients have functional limitations after healing. Better understanding of disease transmission and pathogenesis is needed for improved control and prevention of Buruli ulcer.
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    The public health control of scabies: priorities for research and action
    (The Lancet, 2019-12-07) Phillips, Richard Odame; Stienstra, Ymkje; Beeres, Dorien T; Vonk, Machiel; Ravensbergen, Sofanne J
    We read the Article by David Engelman and colleagues1 with interest. Their overview of the key operational research questions to develop a global control programme for scabies provides a clear research agenda for the years to come.1 Mass drug administration (MDA) using ivermectin reduced the prevalence of both scabies and impetigo tremendously in Fiji with a sustained effect even 24 months after the intervention.2 Future studies should prioritise the inclusion of non-island populations.