Revisiting Buruli ulcer.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is an emerging infectious disease reported in over 33 countries.
• While endemic in tropical West Africa, BU also occurs in non-tropical regions like Australia and Japan.
• The disease presents as skin lesions, primarily affecting children, and can lead to severe, permanent disabilities if untreated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical features, epidemiology, and recent scientific findings of Buruli ulcer.
• To emphasize the importance of raising dermatologist awareness for early Buruli ulcer detection worldwide.
• To explore the potential for undiagnosed Buruli ulcer cases in non-endemic regions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical presentations, transmission, and pathogenesis of Buruli ulcer.
• Analysis of epidemiological data from affected countries, including non-endemic areas.
• Synthesis of recent research findings on Mycobacterium ulcerans infection.

Main Results:

• Buruli ulcer is curable with antibiotics and surgery, but delayed diagnosis causes significant disability.
• Awareness among healthcare professionals, particularly dermatologists, is key for case detection, as seen in Japan.
• The global distribution and potential for underreporting highlight the need for increased vigilance.

Conclusions:

• Raising global dermatologist awareness is critical for timely Buruli ulcer diagnosis and management.
• Further research is needed to fully understand Buruli ulcer transmission and pathogenesis.
• Increased awareness may uncover previously undiagnosed cases in diverse geographical settings.