What is a Buruli Ulcer?
* It's a skin infection caused by a slow-growing bacteria known as Mycobacterium ulcerans.
* The organism belongs to the family of bacteria that causes tuberculosis and leprosy.
* After tuberculosis (TB), leprosy and Buruli ulcer are the second and third most common mycobacterial infections in humans.
* It typically causes skin ulcers, otherwise known as Buruli ulcer. Previously, it was known as Bairnsdale or Daintree ulcer.
* It can also affect the bone and can lead to permanent disfigurement and long-term disability.
Where does it occur?
* According to WHO, at least 33 countries, including Australia, with tropical, subtropical and temperate climates have reported Buruli ulcer, mainly in west and central Africa.
* In 2015, 2037 new cases were reported from 13 countries.
* Nearly half of all cases in Africa are in children under 15, however, in Australia 10 per cent of cases involve children.
How is it transmitted?
* The exact method remains unclear, but exposure to contaminated water or soil is thought to be how humans contract the disease.
* The bacteria enters through a break in the skin.
* It can not be transmitted from person to person.
* Recently, some insects that live in water have been shown to contain the bacteria and they may play a role in transmission.
What does it look like?
* The first sign of Butuli ulcer is usually a painless, non-tender blister-like nodule on the skin, often thought to be an insect bite.
* A lesion may occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the limbs; 35% on the upper limbs, 55% on the lower limbs, and 10% on the other parts of the body.
* After one to two months, the nodule may begin to erode, forming a characteristic ulcer.
* In Australia and Japan, most lesions are detected early and diagnosed as a Category I.
* Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics given for 8 weeks, depending on the patient.
(Source: Health Victoria, World Health Organisation)
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