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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Buruli ulcer
• Mycobacterium ulcerans
• wide local excision