Iqbal Akhtar Khan.
Buruli Ulcer: A rapidly re-emerging tropical malady.
J Pak Assoc Derma Jan ;11(2):25-30.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a chronic progressive ulcer culminating in potentially disfiguring disease of significant public health importance. It is the third most common mycobacteriosis, after tuberculosis and leprosy, in immunocompetent hosts. Mycobacterium ulcerans, its aetiological agent, was isolated in Australia in 1948. Subsequently the disease was described in Uganda. Since 1990s, it has been reported from at least 27 countries worldwide principally from west Africa, central Africa and Australia. Although BU is primarily a cutaneous problem affecting bones in significant numbers, extensive scarring and contracture deformities may be the memorable sequel of the disease. In untreated cases heavy secondary infection resulting in sepsis or tetanus with severe systemic disease, damage or ever loss of important structures like eye, breast or genitalia may ensue. Early detection, prompt and aggressive treatment are the mainstay of control of this otherwise crippling disease, affecting mainly the underprivileged population of countries with limited financial resources. This is a review article.

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