Abstract: Buruli ulcer is a disease caused by skin infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans, an unusual mycobacterium that secretes a lipid toxin, mycolactone, which is responsible for the subcutaneous necrosis associated with ulcers. The disease occurs in tropical wetlands mainly in West Africa, but there are significant foci elsewhere, particularly in temperate Australia. The mode of transmission is unknown. Clinically, early subcutaneous nodules, plaques, or edematous forms develop into ulcers, which become very large if untreated. Treatment with the combination of rifampin and clarithromycin for 8 weeks and regular wound dressing is effective with few recurrences, but paradoxical reactions are common. Surgery is occasionally necessary for large lesions. Preventive measures are not possible because the mode of transmission is unknown and there is no vaccine. Control depends on education of affected communities to recognize early lesions. It remains a challenge to deliver effective treatment to all patients in endemic areas.
Publication Year: 2020
Publication Date: 2020-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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