Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection

M. ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) occurs worldwide, mainly in tropical rainforests. The natural reservoir and transmission route are unclear; insects may be vectors. Lesions prefer the forearms and lower legs, starting as firm painless subcutaneous nodules that rupture into necrotic ulcers with undermined, slowly enlarging borders; surrounding skin is raised, infiltrated, and pigmented; the surface is dry with an adherent gray pseudomembrane; ulcers are usually superficial, occasionally deep to the periosteum. Stages are pre-ulcerative, ulcerative, and post-ulcerative with differing histology. Diagnosis requires culture and animal inoculation; clofazimine is effective systemically.

Common Symptoms

Nodule

Causes and Pathogenesis

Etiology: The pathogen is a saprophytic, slow-growing nonchromogenic Mycobacterium growing at 24-31°C, forming colonies in 3-5 weeks. The natural reservoir and transmission route are unclear; infection may occur via broken skin contacting contaminated water/soil/plants, or via aquatic insect bites; human-to-human droplet spread is unproven. M. ulcerans produces a soluble polypeptide toxin that destroys tissue and suppresses monocyte/T-cell responses. Pathogenesis is not precisely defined.

Treatment

Drug therapy, rehabilitation, surgical treatment

Preventive Measures

Medical institutions should prioritize prevention and control of mycobacterial nosocomial infections, strictly implement hospital infection management regulations, and establish accountability systems tailored to nontuberculous mycobacterial epidemiology.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hematology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.