Buruli Ulcer

 The disease I wanted to learn more about was the Buruli Ulcer. The Buruli Ulcer is one of the 'Neglected Tropical Diseases'.  Neglected Tropical Diseases are a group of parasitic and bacterial diseases that effect more than 1 billion people globally. So why have more people never heard of them? Because these diseases typically effect the world's poorest people. NTD's are serious and can impair physical development and limit productivity, which are extremely detrimental among the poor.

Buruli Ulcer is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium ulcerans. Mycobacterium ulcerans is a slow-growing mycobacterium that infects the skin created lesions. After Tuberculosis and Leprosy, Buruli ulcer is the third most common mycobacteria in humans.

There are two stages of the Buruli Ulcer: inactive and active. The active form is characterized by :

• papules or nodules on the skin. These nodules are mostly found on the limbs and have a wool-like appearance. 

The inactive form is characterized left behind scars from previous nodules.

Buruli Ulcer can be found in over 30 countries but the incidence is unknown because of inadequate reporting. This is also due to the fact that most people infected are poor and unable to receive treatment or visit a doctor. For those who do see a doctor, the treatment includes oral rifampicin and daily intramuscular streptomycin. The only treatment for the nodules is surgery to remove necrotic tissue and correct deformities. Although mortality is low, morbidity is high. 

Higher risks for contracting the parasite are associated with slow-moving or stagnant water and environmental changes, such as deforestation. Most cases are found in poor, rural communities in Africa with children having a higher incidence.