What is the toxin Mycolactone associated with?

Mycolactone, a lipid-like toxin, is the major virulence factor of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the etiological agent of Buruli ulcer. Its involvement in lesion development has been widely described in early stages of the disease, through its cytotoxic and immunosuppressive activities, but less is known about later stages.

How is Buruli ulcer diagnosed?

Four standard laboratory methods can be used to confirm Buruli ulcer: IS2404 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), direct microscopy, histopathology and culture. In 2019, WHO established the Buruli ulcer Laboratory Network for Africa 2 to help strengthen PCR confirmation in 9 endemic countries in Africa.

Where is Mycobacterium ulcerans found?

Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a rare but chronic debilitating skin and soft tissue disease found predominantly in West Africa and Southeast Australia.

Can Buruli ulcer affect cattle?

Skin lesions caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans have been detected in several wild and domesticated animals like possums, alpacas, koalas, horses, cattle, cats and dogs. They occur mainly at places where no or only sparse fur is present: the ears, paws and the nose.

What is the function of Mycolactone?

In summary, by blocking Sec61, mycolactone downregulates the production of a large array of secretory and membrane receptors. One major effect of this molecular blockade is that the host is unable to mount an effective immune response to the underlying mycobacterial infection.

Is Mycobacterium ulcerans Gram positive or negative?

Gram positive
Description. M. ulcerans are rod-shaped bacteria. They appear purple (“Gram positive”) under Gram stain and bright red (“acid fast”) under Ziehl–Neelsen stain.

How do you get Mycobacterium ulcerans?

Exposure to contaminated water, soil or vegetation in areas where the disease is known to occur is thought to be required. The bacteria may enter through a break in the skin, and both mosquitoes and some water-dwelling insects have been implicated in the transmission pathway.

What is the pathophysiology of Buruli ulcer?

Infection of subcutaneous tissue with Mycobacterium ulcerans can lead to chronic skin ulceration known as Buruli ulcer. The pathogenesis of this neglected tropical disease is dependent on a lipid-like toxin, mycolactone, which diffuses through tissue away from the infecting organisms.