Article
Upgrade

Buruli Ulcer: A ‘Flesh-Eating’ Infection

CPDTime.
9m of CPD
Cases of the ‘flesh-eating’ Buruli ulcer have increased significantly in Victoria over recent years. Until 2015 there were less than 100 cases annually; however, since 2017, there have now been between 200 and 340 cases every year. But what exactly is this illness, why is it described as ‘flesh-eating’ and is it a cause for concern?

What's included in this resource?

  • CPDTime.
    9m of CPD
  • Article
  • 3 Assessment Questions
  • References

What is this article about?

Buruli ulcer is a chronic bacterial infection causing necrosis of the skin and underlying tissue. It's caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium ulcerans, which produces a toxin known as mycolactone - this weakens the body’s immune response and is toxic to the cells, resulting in extensive tissue damage, ulceration and skin loss. If left untreated, this ulceration can extend to the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and even bone

Contents

Test Your Knowledge

  • 3 Assessment Questions

Further Learning

  • References

Document and reflect on your learning

  • CPDTime.
    9m of CPD

Meet the educator

educator profile image
Ausmed
Editorial Team
Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
View Profile

What do others think?

55 reviews by Ausmed Learners
Sort by
Highest Rated
Lowest Rated
Most Recent
KM
Kerensa Manning
30 Jun 2022
Relevant to practice
TS
Tricia Schwertfeger
03 Jul 2022
Registered Nurse
Great information on a topic l didn't know much about
SS
Sherlita Salgado
25 Dec 2022
NM
Nima McShane
13 Aug 2022
Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
Excellent learners
DE
Di Evans
02 Jul 2022
Concise and informative
MP
Manita Poudel
16 May 2023
Enrolled Nurse
good
HF
Hong Fung
29 Jun 2022
Registered Nurse
Good resource
FO
Fola Olaleye
26 Mar 2023
Other Profession
It's been an eye opener.
KG
Kathryn Green
06 Jul 2022
Informative
DB
Debra Buchanan
01 Jul 2022
Good
4.5 / 5
1 star
2%
2 star
0%
3 star
7%
4 star
27%
5 star
64%

Looking for something else?

Discover more learning

Sometimes I find it really hard to make time for my learning, but I was blown away by how easy it is with the Ausmed app. I can fit it in during breaks or on the bus to work.

- Maria, Registered Nurse