Buruli ulcer: Rare presentation of a chronic nonhealing ulcer in India

Buruli ulcer is a rare disabling skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is essential to consider Buruli ulcer as one of the possible differential diagnoses for a chronic nonhealing ulcer and treat the wounds with antitubercular therapy for at least 2 months before grafting. A young male...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ajith John George, Vimalin Samuel, Vasanth Mark Samuel, Pranay Gaikwad
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.indjvascsurg.org/article.asp?issn=0972-0820;year=2019;volume=6;issue=2;spage=138;epage=140;aulast=George
Description
Summary:Buruli ulcer is a rare disabling skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is essential to consider Buruli ulcer as one of the possible differential diagnoses for a chronic nonhealing ulcer and treat the wounds with antitubercular therapy for at least 2 months before grafting. A young male from Nigeria, which is endemic for Buruli ulcer, presented with a long-standing ulcer with undermined edges. Various differential diagnoses were ruled out, such as venous stasis ulcer, cutaneous leishmaniasis, squamous cell carcinoma, and others. A biopsy and culture was suggestive of an atypical mycobacterial species. Early diagnosis of ulcers of infective etiology is imperative to prevent functional disability. Early debridement and initiation of antitubercular therapy is essential.
ISSN:0972-0820
2394-0999