Abstract:
Buruli ulcer is a disease that affects the skin and
subcutaneous tissues. It is caused by an environmental
pathogen, Mycobacterium ulcerans, that produces a
toxin, mycolactone, now known to be responsible for
the extensive debilitating late lesions. Early lesions
include nodules, papules or raised plagues distributed
mainly on the limbs and trunk. These lesions
subsequently develop into ulcers which if left untreated
may result in amputation, contracture deformities,
significant disability and sepsis. About a quarter of
patients develop permanent disability. The cost of
clinical management is quite high