What is Buruli Ulcer Disease

Not much is known about a tropical disease known as Buruli Ulcer Disease. Infections from the Buruli bacteria can cause havoc to your soft tissues and the skin with the formation of ulcers. Hence, this disease is one hard to reckon with. Caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, this bacterium is in the same family as the bacteria that cause leprosy and even tuberculosis, two infections more known worldwide.

Ulcerated areas usually develop on the arms and legs. If no early treatment is sought, the danger is that you will have to suffer for the rest of your life with ugly deformed skin but also considerable pain in the joints as well as partial immobility.

It appears that up to 50 countries worldwide with sub-tropical and tropical environments have reported cases of Buruli ulcer disease. Countries such as Africa, the Western Pacific areas, Central and South America, parts of Australia and China have reported cases of Buruli. The World Health Organization (WHO) refers this disease as one of the neglected tropical diseases.

Many researchers think that bacterium which causes Buruli is environmentally based in specific niche areas. Aquatic areas are the likely breeding grounds but no one has a clue as to exactly how the bacteria is transmitted to humans. One theory is that somehow the bacteria enter the human body through a previous wound or trauma to the skin. In addition, some aquatic insects do harbor the bacteria in their saliva but are not always known to bite.

There are various strains of these bacteria depending on where the disease occurs.In reality, it is not the bacteria themselves that cause the ulcerated areas that are identified as Buruli ulcer disease but the toxin they produce. This toxin called mycolactone is what causes the damage to the soft tissues and skin and hinders your immunological response.

Buruli ulcer disease is often found in people living near bodies of water like lakes, swamp areas, sluggish flowing water and ponds. Those who are vulnerable are wade and play in these water ways as well as farmers in the region who use the water sources for irrigation. There are no indications that seasons affect the rate or timing of infection and there is no predisposition as to which sex the disease occurs in more.

Treatment of Buruli ulcer disease

The first signs of Buruli ulcer disease show up in the appearance of a nodule just under the skin, with some swelling and no accompanying pain. The swelling can extend beyond the nodule area too. Sometimes, instead of a nodule, you develop something that looks like a pimple. However, it does not just stop there. Eventually the bacterium affects the tissue and become necrotic leading to the formation of ugly and potentially disfiguring ulcers. When this happens, you are also open to viral and secondary infections, which typically occur around the site as well.

Diagnosis is usually made definitively through cultures taken from the ulcer itself. Treatment is usually a combination of several things. First, your doctor may prescribe you a course of antibiotics.

In more advanced cases, surgery may also be considered to help remove dead tissue as well as cosmetically correct any disfigurements. There are also other medical interventions that may be employed to minimize disability and mobility.

The average traveler is not likely to contract Buruli ulcer disease. However, you should not dismiss this possibility if you are working in one of the target countries for peace or medical missions. It may be the case that when you assume these capacities, you get located near aquatic areas which could be affected by the bacteria.