The Buruli ulcer (also known as the Bairnsdale ulcer or Searls ulcer) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The genus also includes the causative agents of tuberculosis and leprosy (M. tuberculosis and M. leprae, respectively). The early stage of infection is characterised by a painless nodule, with non-pyogenic, necrotising lesions developing in the skin, and occasionally in adjacent bone, as the disease progresses. M. ulcerans secretes a lipid toxin, mycolactone, which functions as an immune suppressant, necrotising agent and activator of cellular apoptosis in mammalian tissues.
Read more about Buruli Ulcer: Identification of The Disease and Its Pathogen, Symptoms, Pathology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Global Spread