The Buruli Ulcer. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Satendra; Basu, Somprakas; Bhartiya, Satyanam Kumar; Shukla, Vijay Kumar
• Other Names: Rerkasem Kittipan guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of lower extremity wounds. Volume 14:Number 3(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Buruli ulcer -- Mycobacterium ulcerans -- World Health Organization -- polymerase chain reaction -- antibiotics; Leg -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Leg -- Ulcers -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.584
• DOI: 10.1177/1534734615599653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-7346

Abstract

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.