Buruli ulcer: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|A chronic debilitating skin and soft tissue infection}} | {{Short description|A chronic debilitating skin and soft tissue infection}} | ||
{{ | {{Infobox medical condition (new) | ||
| name = Buruli ulcer | | name = Buruli ulcer | ||
| image = Buruli | | synonyms = Bairnsdale ulcer, Daintree ulcer, Mossman ulcer, Kumasi ulcer, Searls ulcer | ||
| caption = | | image = Buruli ulcers grouped image.png | ||
| alt = See caption. | |||
| caption = Buruli ulcer lesions. Top-left, an early ulcer. Top-right, a larger ulcer across the lower arm and wrist. Bottom, a large ulcer on the thigh. | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease (medical specialty)|Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = Painless area of swelling under the skin, which becomes a necrotic [[ulcer (dermatology)|ulcer]] | |||
| complications = Permanent disfigurement, secondary infections, restricted movement of limbs | |||
| onset = Gradual; may take weeks to months for ulcer to develop | |||
| duration = Weeks to months, depending on treatment | |||
| causes = ''[[Mycobacterium ulcerans]]'' | |||
| risks = Exposure to contaminated environments, especially in tropical and subtropical regions; proximity to wetlands | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination, [[PCR]] test, acid-fast bacilli smear, histopathology, culture | |||
| differential = [[Cutaneous leishmaniasis]], [[tropical ulcer]], [[diabetic ulcer]], [[pyoderma gangrenosum]] | |||
| prevention = Avoiding insect bites and contact with contaminated water in endemic areas; wound care | |||
| treatment = Combination antibiotic therapy with [[rifampicin]] and [[clarithromycin]] or [[streptomycin]] | |||
| medication = [[Rifampicin]], [[clarithromycin]], [[streptomycin]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with early treatment; delayed treatment may result in severe scarring and disability | |||
| frequency = Endemic in West and Central Africa, parts of Australia, and Southeast Asia | |||
| deaths = Rare with proper treatment, but can occur in severe untreated cases | |||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Early signs of BU.png|thumb|left|Early signs of Buruli ulcer in Cameroon. Top, painless swollen bumps. Bottom-left, a "plaque". Bottom-right, widespread swelling of the lower arm. |alt=See caption.]] | |||
'''Buruli ulcer''' is a chronic, debilitating skin and soft tissue infection caused by the bacterium ''[[Mycobacterium ulcerans]]''. It is characterized by the development of large ulcers, primarily on the limbs, and can lead to significant morbidity if not treated appropriately. | '''Buruli ulcer''' is a chronic, debilitating skin and soft tissue infection caused by the bacterium ''[[Mycobacterium ulcerans]]''. It is characterized by the development of large ulcers, primarily on the limbs, and can lead to significant morbidity if not treated appropriately. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 49: | ||
* [[Neglected tropical diseases]] | * [[Neglected tropical diseases]] | ||
* [[Skin infections]] | * [[Skin infections]] | ||
{{Gram-positive actinobacteria diseases}} | |||
{{stub}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Buruli Ulcer}} | |||
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | |||
[[Category:Mycobacterium-related cutaneous conditions]] | |||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Neglected tropical diseases]] | [[Category:Neglected tropical diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:23, 23 March 2025
A chronic debilitating skin and soft tissue infection
| Buruli ulcer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Bairnsdale ulcer, Daintree ulcer, Mossman ulcer, Kumasi ulcer, Searls ulcer |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Field | Infectious disease |
| Symptoms | Painless area of swelling under the skin, which becomes a necrotic ulcer |
| Complications | Permanent disfigurement, secondary infections, restricted movement of limbs |
| Onset | Gradual; may take weeks to months for ulcer to develop |
| Duration | Weeks to months, depending on treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Mycobacterium ulcerans |
| Risks | Exposure to contaminated environments, especially in tropical and subtropical regions; proximity to wetlands |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, PCR test, acid-fast bacilli smear, histopathology, culture |
| Differential diagnosis | Cutaneous leishmaniasis, tropical ulcer, diabetic ulcer, pyoderma gangrenosum |
| Prevention | Avoiding insect bites and contact with contaminated water in endemic areas; wound care |
| Treatment | Combination antibiotic therapy with rifampicin and clarithromycin or streptomycin |
| Medication | Rifampicin, clarithromycin, streptomycin |
| Prognosis | Good with early treatment; delayed treatment may result in severe scarring and disability |
| Frequency | Endemic in West and Central Africa, parts of Australia, and Southeast Asia |
| Deaths | Rare with proper treatment, but can occur in severe untreated cases |
Buruli ulcer is a chronic, debilitating skin and soft tissue infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is characterized by the development of large ulcers, primarily on the limbs, and can lead to significant morbidity if not treated appropriately.
Epidemiology[edit]
Buruli ulcer is most commonly found in rural areas of West Africa, Central Africa, and some parts of Australia. It is considered a neglected tropical disease and primarily affects children and young adults. The exact mode of transmission is not well understood, but it is believed to be associated with environmental factors, particularly aquatic environments.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The disease is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which produces a toxin known as mycolactone. This toxin is responsible for the tissue necrosis and immunosuppression observed in Buruli ulcer. The infection typically begins as a painless nodule or papule, which can progress to a large ulcer with undermined edges.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
The initial presentation of Buruli ulcer is often a painless, firm nodule or plaque. Over time, this lesion can ulcerate, leading to the characteristic large, necrotic ulcer with undermined edges. The ulcers are typically painless, but secondary bacterial infections can cause pain and further complications. The disease primarily affects the skin and soft tissues, but in severe cases, it can involve bones.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Buruli ulcer is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA is the most sensitive method. Other diagnostic methods include microscopy, culture, and histopathology. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent complications.
Treatment[edit]
The mainstay of treatment for Buruli ulcer is a combination of antibiotics, typically rifampicin and clarithromycin or streptomycin. Surgical intervention may be necessary for extensive lesions, including debridement and skin grafting. Early treatment is essential to prevent severe tissue damage and disability.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for Buruli ulcer are not well established due to the unclear mode of transmission. However, efforts to reduce exposure to potential environmental sources, such as stagnant water, may help reduce the risk. Community education and early case detection are important components of prevention strategies.
Related pages[edit]
