Recent Advances in the Management Strategies for Buruli Ulcers

Abstract

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a bacterial skin infection that is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and mainly affects people who reside in the rural areas of Africa and in suburban and beach resort communities in Australia. The infection typically begins as a painless papule or nodule that gradually develops into a large ulcer that can cause substantial impairment, damaging soft tissues and even bones. Early detection and immediate treatment are crucial to preventing further tissue damage and any potential complications, although it is worth noting that access to proper therapeutic resources can be limited in certain areas. The most commonly used antibiotics for treating BU are rifampicin, streptomycin, and clarithromycin; efforts have recently been made to introduce new treatments that increase the effectiveness and adherence to therapy. This article presents the latest research and management strategies regarding BU, providing an updated and intriguing perspective on this topic.

Formulation and Stability of a 1% Clarithromycin-Based Topical Skin Cream: A New Option to Treat Buruli Ulcers?

“…It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, active against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, including atypical ones such as mycobacteria [12]. Much effort is being put into the introduction and evaluation of new therapies that may have the potential to improve efficacy and compliance in the treatment of Buruli ulcers [5]. The social dimension and cultural aspects in the regions concerned also affect the chances of treatment success [13,14].…”

“…Clinical symptoms are diverse and heterogeneous, but usually involve cutaneous lesions including papules, nodules, ulcers, and edema, which can lead to scarring, deformity, and amputation. M. ulcerans is the bacterium that causes Buruli ulcers, which is one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases and the third most common human mycobacterial disease [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Much effort is being put into the introduction and evaluation of new therapies that may have the potential to improve efficacy and compliance in the treatment of Buruli ulcers [ 5 ]. The social dimension and cultural aspects in the regions concerned also affect the chances of treatment success [ 13 , 14 ].…”