Buruli ulcer disease

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