Sequelae of Mycobacterium ulcerans infections (Buruli ulcer)

Buruli ulcer, a type of mycobacterial infection, has recently emerged as an increasingly common and major cause of skin ulceration and associated morbidity, especially in the West African sub-region. In 1993, there was an outbreak of the disease in the Amansie West District of Ghana. From 1994 to 1998, 360 ulcers (already healed or active disease) were seen. Some of them were managed surgically at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KAITH), Kumasi and at two district hospitals all in the Ashanti Region. Many of the victims lost limbs (amputated), sight, breast, genitalia or they developed contractures of the toes, ankle joints, knee joints, wrists, fingers, elbows, etc. with subsequent lymphedema. Surgical excision of the ulcers with skin grafting resulted in wound closure. Secondary problems such as contractures were corrected by standard reconstructive methods.