What does detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA in the margin of an excised Buruli ulcer lesion tell us?
We determined by real-time PCR the distribution of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA in the excised lesion of a Buruli ulcer patient. A new lesion developed adjacent to the site of excision in the patient. The excised margin around the primary lesion contained a small amount of mycobacterial DNA in the area where the secondary lesion developed. These results suggest that a relatively small number of infiltrating mycobacteria can lead to the development of a recurrence.
Rondini
Simona
S
Molecular Immunology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
Mensah-Quainoo
Ernestina
E
Junghanss
Thomas
T
Pluschke
Gerd
G
D000328:Adult; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019911:Mycobacterium ulcerans / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial