M.ulcerans infection occurs at sites of traumatic inoculation, usually the legs, resulting in large to gigantic deep painless ulcerations, occurring in tropical regions of Africa and Australia.
Causes of Mycobacterium Ulcerans Infection
The infection is transmitted from the environment to people by unknown mechanism. Mycobacterium Ulcerans is not spread from person to person.
Symptoms of Mycobacterium Ulcerans Infection
- The infection generally starts as a small spot attached to the skin resembling a mosquito bite that enlarges over days to weeks.
- Acute swelling of the whole limb.
- A nodule beneath the skin may be the first sign.
Diagnosis
Clinical findings confirmed by isolation of M.ulcerans from lesional skin biopsy specimen.
Treatment
Heat In that M.ulcerans prefers cooler temperatures, application of heat to the involved site has been reported to be effective.
Surgery Excision of the infected tissue, usually followed by grafting, is effective.
Antimycobacterial Chemotherapy Usually responds poorly. Combinations of sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, and minocycline may be effective.
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