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Histopathologic features of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection
Jeannette Guarner1, Jeanine Bartlett, Ellen A Spotts Whitney
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. jguarner@cdc.gov
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Histopathology confirms Buruli ulcer disease in 78% of suspected lesions by identifying acid-fast bacilli (AFB). This aids in early diagnosis and treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans infections.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Dermatology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- The World Health Organization initiated the Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative in 1998 due to the emergence of Buruli ulcer disease.
- Buruli ulcer disease is an indolent skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans.
Observation:
- A study in Ghana collected 124 skin biopsy specimens from clinically suspicious lesions.
- Histopathologic examination identified acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in 78 lesions, confirming Buruli ulcer disease.
- Differential diagnoses included filariasis, zygomycosis, squamous cell carcinoma, keratin cyst, and lymph node involvement.
Findings:
- Thirty-seven specimens were classified as suspected Buruli ulcer disease cases due to the absence of AFB.
- AFB-positive specimens showed significantly more frequent necrosis of subcutaneous tissues and dermal collagen compared to suspected cases (p<0.001).
Implications:
- Establishing clear histologic criteria for Buruli ulcer disease diagnosis is crucial.
- Accurate histopathologic diagnosis facilitates earlier treatment initiation.
- Early treatment can significantly reduce the deforming sequelae associated with Buruli ulcer disease.