Mycobacterium ulcerans disease
Date
2005-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Abstract
Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) is an important health problem in several west African countries. It is prevalent
in scattered foci around the world, predominantly in riverine areas with a humid, hot climate. We review the epidemiology, bacteriology,
transmission, immunology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of infections. M. ulcerans is an ubiquitous micro-organism and is
harboured by fish, snails, and water insects. The mode of transmission is unknown. Lesions are most common on exposed parts of the
body, particularly on the limbs. Spontaneous healing may occur. Many patients in endemic areas present late with advanced, severe
lesions. BCG vaccination yields a limited, relatively short-lived, immune protection. Recommended treatment consists of surgical
debridement, followed by skin grafting if necessary. Many patients have functional limitations after healing. Better understanding
of disease transmission and pathogenesis is needed for improved control and prevention of Buruli ulcer.
Description
An article published by Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Keywords
Mycobacterium ulcerans/pathogenicity, Mycobacterium infections, Atypical/etiology/epidemiology/therapy, Meta-analysis, Africa, Western (source: MeSH, NLM)
Citation
Bulletin of the World Health Organization