Buruli ulcer


Bu·ru·li ul·cer

an ulcer of the skin, with widespread necrosis of subcutaneous fat, due to infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans; occurs in Uganda in persons living on the Nile river banks. [Buruli, district in Uganda]
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

Bu·ru·li ul·cer

(bū-rū'lē ŭl'sĕr) An infectiousdisease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans characterized by painless swelling that later develops into an ulcerative lesion. [Buruli, district in Uganda]

Buruli ulcer

A serious skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans . The condition is rare in the Western world but common in humid rural areas in the tropics. There is destruction of subcuticular tissue so that large ulcers with undermined edges form. The organism produces a potent toxin called mycolactone. Antibiotic treatment is effective. Many cases were found in the Buruli district near Lake Kyoga.