Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 May;96(5):1076-1083

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

AbstractThe exact route of transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) (causative agent of Buruli ulcer [BU]), risk factors, and reservoir hosts are not clearly known, although it has been identified as an environmental pathogen. This study assessed potential environmental and behavioral risk factors that influence BU infections. We conducted a case-control study where cases were matched by their demographic characteristics and place of residence. Read More

Emerg Microbes Infect 2017 May 10;6(5):e34. Epub 2017 May 10.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 May 8;11(5):e0005557. Epub 2017 May 8.

School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America.

Background: Yaws is an infectious, debilitating and disfiguring disease of poverty that mainly affects children in rural communities in tropical areas. In Cameroon, mass-treatment campaigns carried out in the 1950s reduced yaws to such low levels that it was presumed the disease was eradicated. In 2010, an epidemiological study in Bankim Health District detected 29 cases of yaws. Read More

Genome Announc 2017 Apr 27;5(17). Epub 2017 Apr 27.

CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France

Currently, there are only two publicly available genomes of Mycobacterium ulcerans-the causative agent of the neglected, but devastating, tropical disease Buruli ulcer. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of isolate S4018, recovered from an active cutaneous lesion of a patient with Buruli ulcer in Benin, Africa. Read More

Emerg Microbes Infect 2017 Apr 26;6(4):e22. Epub 2017 Apr 26.

Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Département Ecologie, Biodiversité et Fonctionnement des Ecosystemes Continentaux, UMR BOREA IRD 207, CNRS 7208, MNHN, UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75231 Paris, France.

Many emerging infectious diseases are caused by generalist pathogens that infect and transmit via multiple host species with multiple dissemination routes, thus confounding the understanding of pathogen transmission pathways from wildlife reservoirs to humans. The emergence of these pathogens in human populations has frequently been associated with global changes, such as socio-economic, climate or biodiversity modifications, by allowing generalist pathogens to invade and persist in new ecological niches, infect new host species, and thus change the nature of transmission pathways. Using the case of Buruli ulcer disease, we review how land-use changes, climatic patterns and biodiversity alterations contribute to disease emergence in many parts of the world. Read More

Int J Med Microbiol 2017 Jun 19;307(4-5):223-232. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a necrotizing infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. BU wounds may also be colonized with other microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to characterize the virulence factors of S. Read More

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017 Jun;372(1722)

Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA.

Reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is one of the key strategic targets advanced by the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the unprecedented effort deployed for NTD elimination in the past decade, their control, mainly through drug administration, remains particularly challenging: persistent poverty and repeated exposure to pathogens embedded in the environment limit the efficacy of strategies focused exclusively on human treatment or medical care. Here, we present a simple modelling framework to illustrate the relative role of ecological and socio-economic drivers of environmentally transmitted parasites and pathogens. Read More

PLoS One 2017 24;12(4):e0176375. Epub 2017 Apr 24.

Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is highly endemic in West Africa. While the mode of transmission is unknown, many studies associate Buruli ulcer with different types of water exposure. We present results from the largest study to date to test for M. Read More

Emerg Infect Dis 2017 May;23(5):837-840

We conducted epidemiologic and genetic analyses of family clusters of Mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli ulcer) disease in southeastern Australia. We found that the incidence of M. ulcerans disease in family members was increased. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Apr 14;11(4):e0005553. Epub 2017 Apr 14.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Addressing the transmission enigma of the neglected disease Buruli ulcer (BU) is a World Health Organization priority. In Australia, we have observed an association between mosquitoes harboring the causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans, and BU. Here we tested a contaminated skin model of BU transmission by dipping the tails from healthy mice in cultures of the causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans. Read More

Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol 2017 14;2017:5180984. Epub 2017 Mar 14.

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

Background. The current definitive treatment of Buruli ulcer with antibiotics makes the issue of antimicrobial drug resistance an unavoidable one. This is as a result of drug misuse by health personnel and patients' noncompliance to treatment regimen. Read More

Front Microbiol 2017 24;8:512. Epub 2017 Mar 24.

Center for Research in Cancerology and Immunology Nantes-Angers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Nantes, Université d'AngersAngers, France; Equipe Atip-Avenir, Center for Research in Cancerology and Immunology Nantes-Angers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université d'AngersAngers, France.

Bacterial transcriptome analyses during host colonization are essential to decipher the complexity of the relationship between the bacterium and its host. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a promising approach providing valuable information about bacterial adaptation, the host response and, in some cases, mutual tolerance underlying crosstalk, as recently observed in the context of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Buruli ulcer is caused by M. Read More

Int J Infect Dis 2017 May 23;58:77-81. Epub 2017 Mar 23.

Internal Medicine Department, Jordan Hospital and Medical Center, Amman, Jordan.

Background: Buruli ulcer is the third most common mycobacterial infection worldwide. It is endemic in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. It causes devastating disease with morbidity and mortality. Read More

Hautarzt 2017 May;68(5):403-411

Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland.

Dermatologically relevant nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium ulcerans and different rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). RGM are widely present in the environment and are facultative pathogenic. Diagnostic detection of nontuberculous mycobacteria is frequently challenging. Read More

PLoS One 2017 22;12(3):e0172843. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

The transmission of Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), remains puzzling although a number of hypothesis including through bites of infected aquatic insects have been proposed. We report the results of experiments using ICR mice that give credence to our hypothesis that Acanthamoeba species may play a role in BU transmission. We cocultured MU N2 and MU 1615 which expresses red fluorescent protein (RFP) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga (AP), and confirmed infected AP by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. Read More

Ecohealth 2017 Jun 17;14(2):329-341. Epub 2017 Mar 17.

UMR MIVEGEC IRD, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Centre IRD de Montpellier, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier Cedex, France.

Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, is present in a wide spectrum of environments, including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in tropical regions. The most promising studies on the epidemiological risk of this disease suggest that some ecological settings may favor infection of animals with MU including human. A species' needs and impacts on resources and the environment, i. Read More

ACS Chem Biol 2017 May 27;12(5):1297-1307. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.

Mycolactone, the macrolide exotoxin produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is central to the pathogenesis of the chronic necrotizing skin disease Buruli ulcer (BU). Here we show that mycolactone acts as an inhibitor of the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway by interfering with the assembly of the two distinct mTOR protein complexes mTORC1 and mTORC2, which regulate different cellular processes. Inhibition of the assembly of the rictor containing mTORC2 complex by mycolactone prevents phosphorylation of the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt. Read More

PeerJ 2017 28;5:e3047. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia.

Background: The emergence and evolution of community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains in Africa is poorly understood. However, one particular MRSA lineage called ST88, appears to be rapidly establishing itself as an "African" CA-MRSA clone. In this study, we employed whole genome sequencing to provide more information on the genetic background of ST88 CA-MRSA isolates from Ghana and to describe in detail ST88 CA-MRSA isolates in comparison with other MRSA lineages worldwide. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Feb 28;11(2):e0005331. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Section Clinical Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.

Background: Beyond Mycobacterium ulcerans-specific therapy, sound general wound management is required for successful management of Buruli ulcer (BU) patients which places them among the large and diverse group of patients in poor countries with a broken skin barrier.

Methods: Clinically BU suspicious patients were enrolled between October 2013 and August 2015 at a primary health care (PHC) center and a municipal hospital, secondary health care (SHC) center in Ghana. All patients were IS2404 PCR tested and divided into IS2404 PCR positive and negative groups. Read More

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2017 Apr 24;144(4):250-254. Epub 2017 Feb 24.

Dermatology department, CNHU-HKM, faculté des sciences de la santé, BP 186, Cotonou, Benin.

Background: Cutaneous basidiobolomycosis is the most common form of entomophthoramycosis. Herein we report seven cases of cutaneous basidiobolomycosis.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Buruli ulcer treatment centre in Pobè and at the national teaching hospital in Cotonou from 2010 to 2015. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Feb 27;11(2):e0005415. Epub 2017 Feb 27.

Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: Buruli ulcer disease (BUD), caused by Mycobacterium (M.) ulcerans, is the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. BUD causes necrotic skin lesions and is a significant problem for health care in the affected countries. Read More

Microb Ecol 2017 Feb 25. Epub 2017 Feb 25.

Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) ecology by analysing both clinical and environmental samples collected from ten communities along two major river basins (Offin and Densu) associated with Buruli ulcer (BU) at different seasons. We collected clinical samples from presumptive BU cases and environmental samples from ten communities. Following DNA extraction, clinical samples were confirmed by IS2404 PCR and environmental samples were confirmed by targeting MU-specific genes, IS2404, IS2606 and the ketoreductase (KR) using real-time PCR. Read More

Arch Dermatol Res 2017 Apr 22;309(3):179-189. Epub 2017 Feb 22.

Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy.

The pathogenicity of Mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli ulcer) is closely associated with the secretion of exotoxin mycolactone. The cytotoxicity of mycolactone has been linked to its apoptogenic activity. We explored if low mycolactone concentrations, which are not able to induce apoptosis, can influence other essential activities on two primary human keratinocyte populations, keratinocyte stem cells (KSC) and transit amplifying cells (TAC), and on a human keratinocyte line, HaCaT. Read More

J Cell Sci 2017 Apr 20;130(7):1307-1320. Epub 2017 Feb 20.

Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK

Mycolactone is the exotoxin virulence factor produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, the pathogen responsible for Buruli ulcer. The skin lesions and immunosuppression that are characteristic of this disease result from the action of mycolactone, which targets the Sec61 complex and inhibits the co-translational translocation of secretory proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we investigate the effect of mycolactone on the Sec61-dependent biogenesis of different classes of transmembrane protein (TMP). Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017 Feb 11;14(2). Epub 2017 Feb 11.

Department of Environment and Health, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS), Adiopodoumé, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), particularly mycolactone producing mycobacteria (MPM), are bacteria found in aquatic environments causing skin diseases in humans like Buruli ulcer (BU). Although the causative agent for BU, Mycobacterium ulcerans has been identified and associated with slow-moving water bodies, the real transmission route is still unknown. This study aimed to characterize MPMs from environmental aquatic samples collected in a BU non-endemic community, Adiopodoumé, in Côte d'Ivoire. Read More

Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017 Mar 17;27(5):1274-1277. Epub 2017 Jan 17.

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. Electronic address:

On exposure to visible light, mycolactone A/B, the causative toxin of Buruli ulcer, rearranges to a mixture of four photo-mycolactones apparently via a rare photochemically-induced [4πs+2πa] cycloaddition. In order to prevent the rearrangement, two C6'-C7' dihydromycolactone analogs 6'α-15 and 6'β-15 were designed and synthesized. 6'α-15 and 6'β-15 were shown to be stable under not only photochemical, but also acidic and basic conditions. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2016 1;25(Suppl 1):13. Epub 2016 Oct 1.

Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training programme, School of Public Health, University of Ghana.

Introduction: Buruli ulcer (BU) is an infectious skin disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, endemic in more than 30 countries worldwide especially Africa. Brong-Ahafo Region implemented WHO recommended daily treatment with streptomycin and rifampicin for eight weeks (SR8). Yet limited assessment of therapy exists. Read More

Genome Biol Evol 2017 Mar;9(3):414-426

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is an insidious neglected tropical disease. Cases are reported around the world but the rural regions of West and Central Africa are most affected. How BU is transmitted and spreads has remained a mystery, even though the causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans, has been known for more than 70 years. Read More

Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017 Mar 9;49(3):290-295. Epub 2017 Jan 9.

Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, IRD, URMITE, Marseille, France. Electronic address:

Mycobacterium ulcerans is responsible for Buruli ulcer, characterised by extensive, disabling ulcers. Standard treatment combining rifampicin and streptomycin exposes patients to toxicity and daily painful injections. In this study, the in vitro susceptibilities of 3 M. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jan 19;11(1):e0005136. Epub 2017 Jan 19.

Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jan 17;11(1):e0005303. Epub 2017 Jan 17.

Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, IRD, URMITE, Marseille, France.

Background: Mycobacterium ulcerans is a close derivative of Mycobacterium marinum and the agent of Buruli ulcer in some tropical countries. Epidemiological and environmental studies pointed towards stagnant water ecosystems as potential sources of M. ulcerans, yet the ultimate reservoirs remain elusive. Read More

JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep 2017 Jan;15(1):119-139

1The Cameroon Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Yaounde, Cameroon, Africa 2Centre for Behavioral and Social Research, Yaounde, Cameroon, Africa 3Centre for Evidence Based Initiatives in Health Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia 4St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Background: Buruli ulcer (BU) disease is a chronic ulcerative skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which can lead to extensive destruction of the skin, soft tissues and occasionally of bones. Although several antibiotics have demonstrated bactericidal activity against M. ulcerans in vitro, no consensus on their clinical efficacy against M. Read More

Med Sante Trop 2016 Nov;26(4):408-413

Centre suisse de recherches sentifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303 Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.

This study aims to describe the plants and recipes proposed by traditional healers against Buruli ulcer in Côte d'Ivoire and to analyze their symbolic aspects. Buruli ulcer is an increasingly serious health problem in Côte d'Ivoire. The ivorian state through the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme and its partners, has developed various actions to fight that disease. Read More

Int J Microbiol 2016 14;2016:8304524. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Background. Drug resistance is a major challenge in antibiotic chemotherapy. Assessing resistance profiles of pathogens constitutes an essential surveillance tool in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, including Buruli ulcer (BU) disease. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2017 Jan 7;10(1):15. Epub 2017 Jan 7.

Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: Mansonellosis was first reported in Ghana by Awadzi in the 1990s. Co-infections of Mansonella perstans have also been reported in a small cohort of patients with Buruli ulcer and their contacts. However, no study has assessed the exact prevalence of the disease in a larger study population. Read More

BMC Microbiol 2017 Jan 5;17(1). Epub 2017 Jan 5.

Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland.

Background: Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans) is the causative agent of Buruli Ulcer (BU) disease. In order to inhibit the growth of the microbial contaminants during culture of M. Read More

Int J Mycobacteriol 2016 Dec 27;5 Suppl 1:S206-S207. Epub 2016 Oct 27.

Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana.

Objective/background: Mycobacterial infections including tuberculosis, leprosy, and buruli ulcer are among the most prevalent, debilitating, and deadly tropical diseases, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The development of drug resistance to the currently available drugs and the poor compliance emphasize the need for new chemotherapeutic agents. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro activity of Cleistopholis patens, Annona reticulata, and Greenwayodendron suaveolens against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Read More

Int J Mycobacteriol 2016 Dec 29;5 Suppl 1:S204-S205. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Aim And Objectives: Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease caused by a mycobacteria, Mycobacterium ulcerans. The WHO recommended Rifampicin-Streptomycin combination side effects and poor compliance, leaves rural populations with no choice than to patronise indigenous remedies. This study is aimed at validating medicinal plants used in traditional medicine to treat BU by investigating the in vitro efficacy and safety as well as their composition in active molecules. Read More

Int J Mycobacteriol 2016 Dec 23;5 Suppl 1:S105. Epub 2016 Nov 23.

Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.

Objective/background: Buruli ulcer, known as necrotizing skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, has emerged as the most prevalent mycobacteriosis after leprosy and tuberculosis. Accordingly, it has been classified by the World Health Organization as a neglected disease with high significance in tropical areas, including Cameroon. So far, the control of the disease relies mainly on the rifampin-streptomycin combination. Read More

Acta Trop 2016 Dec 27. Epub 2016 Dec 27.

Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences Médicales, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BP V 34, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a cutaneous infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is the third most common mycobacterial disease in the world in the immunocompetent patient and second in Côte d'Ivoire after tuberculosis. This study aimed to assess the characteristics and epidemiological profile of BU in the district of Tiassalé, an important focus of the disease in south Côte d'Ivoire, in order to better direct actions for prevention and control. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Dec 29;10(12):e0005261. Epub 2016 Dec 29.

University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Background: Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected tropical disease frequently leading to permanent disabilities. The ulcers are treated with rifampicin and streptomycin, wound care and, if necessary surgical intervention. Professionals have exclusively shaped the research agenda concerning management and control, while patients' perspective on priorities and preferences have not explicitly been explored or addressed. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2016 Nov-Dec;49(6):746-751

Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Introduction:: Mycolactones, secreted by Mycobacterium ulcerans, were previously believed to prevent super infection in Buruli ulcer lesions. However, little is known about secondary bacterial infections in these lesions. This study evaluated contaminating bacterial flora and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in cases of previously untreated Buruli ulcer disease from three states in Southern Nigeria. Read More

Int Health 2017 Jan 15;9(1):36-43. Epub 2016 Dec 15.

Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: The economic burden of Buruli ulcer for patients has not been well-documented. This study assessed the costs of Buruli ulcer care to patients from the onset of illness to diagnosis and to the end of treatment.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional cost of illness study conducted among patients with Buruli ulcer in four States in Nigeria between July and September 2015. Read More

Sci Adv 2016 Dec 7;2(12):e1600387. Epub 2016 Dec 7.

Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK.; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR MIVEGEC IRD-CNRS-Université de Montpellier, Centre IRD de Montpellier, BP 64501, Montpellier, France.; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR BOREA IRD-MNHN-Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 47 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris cedex 5, France.

Generalist microorganisms are the agents of many emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), but their natural life cycles are difficult to predict due to the multiplicity of potential hosts and environmental reservoirs. Among 250 known human EIDs, many have been traced to tropical rain forests and specifically freshwater aquatic systems, which act as an interface between microbe-rich sediments or substrates and terrestrial habitats. Along with the rapid urbanization of developing countries, population encroachment, deforestation, and land-use modifications are expected to increase the risk of EID outbreaks. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016 Dec 12;10(12):e0005229. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.

Buruli ulcer (BU) vaccine design faces similar challenges to those observed during development of prophylactic tuberculosis treatments. Multiple BU vaccine candidates, based upon Mycobacterium bovis BCG, altered Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) cells, recombinant MU DNA, or MU protein prime-boosts, have shown promise by conferring transient protection to mice against the pathology of MU challenge. Recently, we have shown that a recombinant BCG vaccine expressing MU-Ag85A (BCG MU-Ag85A) displayed the highest level of protection to date, by significantly extending the survival time of MU challenged mice compared to BCG vaccination alone. Read More

Environ Microbiol 2017 May 25;19(5):1750-1760. Epub 2017 Jan 25.

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.

The ecological functions of many toxins continue to remain unknown for those produced by environmental pathogens. Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of the neglected tropical disease, Buruli ulcer, produces a cytotoxic macrolide, mycolactone, whose function(s) in the environment remains elusive. Through a series of dual-choice behaviour assays, they show that mycolactone may be an interkingdom cue for the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, seeking blood-meals as well as oviposition sites. Read More

PLoS One 2016 28;11(11):e0167059. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.

Buruli Ulcer is a neglected tropical disease leading to extensive disabilities and morbidity in West Africa. In this paper we sought to characterize various strains of Mycobacterium ulcerans (M.ulcerans) with different origins and laboratory passage records while refining a mouse model for Buruli ulcer. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016 Nov 12;95(5):1011-1015. Epub 2016 Sep 12.

Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases for which the World Health Organization has adopted resolutions to improve treatment. BU was previously described as a relatively painless condition; however, recent research has indicated that some patients experience substantial pain. The objective of this study was to explore patients' experiences of pain and their expectations for its treatment. Read More

ANZ J Surg 2016 Nov 1. Epub 2016 Nov 1.

Department of Surgery, Cairns Hospital, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

Background: Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) is the third most common mycobacterial disease in humans, with presentations ranging from self-limiting skin nodules and ulcers to aggressive infiltrative infections with extensive oedema, fat and skin necrosis. The two foci in Australia are in Victoria and Far North Queensland. We present the 2009-2015 case series for the Queensland focus with special reference to the 2011 spike of 64 cases. Read More

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2016 Sep 23;110(9):502-509. Epub 2016 Oct 23.

Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Delayed diagnosis of Buruli ulcer can worsen clinical presentation of the disease, prolong duration of management, and impose avoidable additional costs on patients and health providers. We investigated the profile, delays in diagnosis, duration of hospitalisation, and associated factors among patients with Buruli ulcer in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients with Buruli ulcer who were identified from a community-based survey. Read More