Abstract:
Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer – a necrotizing skin infection. As an
environmental pathogen, it has developed stress response mechanisms for survival. Similar to endospore
formation in M. marinum, it is likely that M. ulcerans employs sporulation mechanisms for its survival and
transmission. In this review, we modeled possible transmission routes and patterns of M. ulcerans from the
environment to its host. We provided insights into the evolution of M. ulcerans and its genomic profiles.
We discuss reservoirs of M. ulcerans as an environmental pathogen and its environmental survival. We
comprehensively discuss sporulation as a possible stress response mechanism and modelled endospore
formation in M. ulcerans. At last, we highlighted sporulation associated markers, which upon expression
trigger endospore formation.