Buruli ulcer

In medicine, gangrenous ulcer caused by the flesh-eating bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is relatively common in sub-Saharan Africa, and has been targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) with its Global Buruli Ulcer initiative.

The bacterium is rife in the environment and infection usually follows a scratch from vegetation. The initial symptom is an itchy lump that rapidly forms a gaping sore unless it is removed.

In February 2007, the complete genome sequence of M. ulcerans was published. Researchers have identified the genes responsible for the production of the main toxin, mycolacteone, and are now developing new treaments targeting the production of this toxin.