Search results for "Buruli Ulcer"
showing 2 items of 2 documents
Fighting mycobacterial infections by antibiotics, phytochemicals and vaccines.
2011
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 wit…
Neglected diseases caused by bacterial infections.
2009
Bacterial infections represent a major health problem, especially in third world countries. In endemic regions, large populations of people are greatly affected, but the medical care is very limited. In this review, the neglected diseases buruli ulcer and trachoma are elucidated. Buruli ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans which produces an outstanding immunosuppressive toxin mycolactone that induces an ulcerative, necrotic skin disease. Until today, only the combination of rifampin/streptomycin is used to treat buruli ulcer. However, this therapy is ineffective and expensive. Here, we report new findings that suggest pharmaceutical formulations such as rifapentine, in combination with…