The Buruli Ulcer.
Buruli ulcer (BU) is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and can manifest as a simple nodule or as aggressive skin ulcers leading to debilitating osteoarthritis or limb deformity. The disease is more prevalent in those living in remote rural areas, especially in children younger than 15 years. The exact mode of transmission is possibly through traumatic skin lesions contaminated by M ulcerans. IS2404 polymerase chain reaction from ulcer swabs or biopsies is a rapid method for confirmation of BU. In coendemic countries, HIV infection complicates the progression of BU, leading to rapidly spreading osteomyelitis. Treatment is principally medical, with antitubercular drugs, and surgery is utilized for complicated disease. Because of ineffective vaccination, primary prevention is the best option for control of the disease.
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Satendra
S
Kumar
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Somprakas
S
Basu
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Satyanam Kumar
SK
Bhartiya
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India vkshuklabhu@gmail.com.
Vijay Kumar
VK
Shukla
D054312:Buruli Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D019911:Mycobacterium ulcerans / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D058069:Neglected Diseases
Buruli ulcer; Mycobacterium ulcerans; World Health Organization; antibiotics; polymerase chain reaction