Buruli Ulcer

Buruli ulcer

[bo̅o̅′rə·le]

Etymology: Buruli, district in Uganda

an ulcer of the skin with widespread necrosis of subcutaneous fat, caused by a species of Mycobacterium ulcerans, manifested by a small, firm, painless, movable subcutaneous nodule that enlarges and ulcerates. It occurs principally in Central Africa (the Nile river banks), but has also been seen in other tropical areas.

---

Buruli Ulcer

A necrotizing skin ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, first described in Uganda in 1897. It is characterised by slowly progressive, destructive skin and soft tissue infections
Prevention Cleaning of abrasions sustained outdoors, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding mosquito bites
Diagnosis Polymerase chain reaction testing of ulcer swabs or biopsies
Management Excision, which should include a small rim of healthy tissue; if small, excision may be adequate; more extensive disease may require antibiotics which may allow more conservative surgery