Abstract
Background
Noma, also known as cancrum oris, necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis or gangrenous stomatitis, is a rapidly progressive and often fatal infection of the mouth and face. This disease predominantly affects children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old in poorly developed countries around the world where adequate nutrition, sanitation and cleanliness are lacking. Northwest Nigeria has a particularly high prevalence of the Noma.
Noma starts as gum disease and, without effective treatment (including antibiotics), around 90% die within two weeks and as such noma eminently fits the definition of a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The World Health Organization (WHO) has described 5-stages of the disease to include: Stage 1 (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis), Stage 2 (Edematous), Stage 3 (Gangrenous), Stage 4 (Scarring) and Stage 5 (Late sequelae).
Noma, also known as cancrum oris, necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis or gangrenous stomatitis, is a rapidly progressive and often fatal infection of the mouth and face. This disease predominantly affects children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old in poorly developed countries around the world where adequate nutrition, sanitation and cleanliness are lacking. Northwest Nigeria has a particularly high prevalence of the Noma.
Noma starts as gum disease and, without effective treatment (including antibiotics), around 90% die within two weeks and as such noma eminently fits the definition of a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The World Health Organization (WHO) has described 5-stages of the disease to include: Stage 1 (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis), Stage 2 (Edematous), Stage 3 (Gangrenous), Stage 4 (Scarring) and Stage 5 (Late sequelae).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Open Forum Infectious Diseases |
| Publisher | Infectious Diseases Society of America |
| Volume | 10 |
| Edition | Suppl 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2023 |
Keywords
- necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
- nigeria
- noma
- world health
- tropical disease
