Table 3. Comparison of histopathologic features of definite and suspected Buruli ulcer cases.
| Histopathologic feature | Buruli ulcer (AFB positive)a No. (%) | Suspected Buruli ulcer (AFB negative)a no. (%) | p value |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Epidermis
b
|
|
|
|
| Hyperplasia |
50/73 (68) |
21/35 (60) |
0.38 |
|
Dermis
b
|
|
|
|
| Elastolysis |
45/74 (61) |
2/35 (6) |
<0.0001 |
|
Subcutaneous tissue
|
|
|
|
| Necrosis |
78/78 (100) |
23/37 (62) |
<0.0001 |
| Vasculopathy |
58/78 (74) |
27/37 (73) |
0.87 |
| Acute inflammationc |
72/78 (92) |
27/37 (73) |
0.008 |
| Chronic inflammationd |
31/78 (40) |
18/37 (49) |
0.36 |
| Granulomase | 30/78 (38) | 12/37 (32) | 0.53 |
aAFB, acid-fast bacilli. bSeven specimens did not have epidermis, and six did not have dermis. cAcute inflammation considered as present versus absent. dChronic inflammation considered as intense versus mild. eGranulomas considered as present versus absent.