6533b7cffe1ef96bd1259ac1
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Fighting mycobacterial infections by antibiotics, phytochemicals and vaccines.
Nora JantzerKatharina LeidnerDenise BambergerThomas EfferthJoachim Arendsubject
Buruli ulcerNecrosismedicine.drug_classImmunologyAntibioticsBacterial ToxinsInflammationApoptosisQuinolonesMicrobiologyNecrosisBacterial ProteinsmedicineVaccines DNAAnimalsHumansBuruli UlcerbiologyMycobacterium ulceransbusiness.industryOsteomyelitisVaccinationNeglected DiseasesChaperonin 60medicine.diseasebiology.organism_classificationRifamycinsAnti-Bacterial AgentsVaccinationInfectious DiseasesLymphatic systemAminoglycosidesMycobacterium ulceransImmunologyBacterial VaccinesMacrolidesmedicine.symptombusinessPhytotherapydescription
Buruli ulcer is a neglected disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and represents the world's third most common mycobacterial infection. It produces the polyketide toxins, mycolactones A, B, C and D, which induce apoptosis and necrosis. Clinical symptoms are subcutaneous nodules, papules, plaques and ulcerating oedemae, which can enlarge and destroy nerves and blood vessels and even invade bones by lymphatic or haematogenous spread (osteomyelitis). Patients usually do not suffer from pain or systematic inflammation. Surgery is the treatment of choice, although recurrence is common and wide surgical excisions including healthy tissues result in significant morbidity. Antibiotic therapy with rifamycins, aminoglycosides, macrolides and quinolones also improves cure rates. Still less exploited treatment options are phytochemicals from medicinal plants used in affected countries. Vaccination against Buruli ulcer is still in its infancy.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-07-01 | Microbes and infection |