Buruli ulcer in Africa: Geographical distribution, ecology, risk factors, diagnosis, and indigenous plant treatment options - A comprehensive review.
Heliyon
; 9(11): e22018, 2023 Nov.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38034712
Buruli ulcer (BU), a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The disease has been documented in many South American, Asian, and Western Pacific countries and is widespread throughout much of Africa, especially in West and Central Africa. In rural areas with scarce medical care, BU is a devastating disease that can leave patients permanently disabled and socially stigmatized. Mycobacterium ulcerans is thought to produce a mycolactone toxin, which results in necrosis of the afflicted tissue and may be involved in the etiology of BU. Initially, patients may notice a painless nodule or plaque on their skin; as the disease progresses, however, it may spread to other parts of the body, including the muscles and bones. Clinical signs, microbial culture, and histological analysis of afflicted tissue all contribute to a diagnosis of BU. Though antibiotic treatment and surgical removal of infected tissue are necessary for BU management, plant-derived medicine could be an alternative in areas with limited access to conventional medicine. Herein we reviewed the geographical distribution, socioeconomic, risk factors, diagnosis, biology and ecology of the pathogen. Complex environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic factors that influence BU are discussed. Further, our review highlights future research areas needed to develop strategies to manage the disease through the use of indigenous African plants.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Heliyon
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Ghana
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido