Clinical features and treatment of pre-ulcerative Buruli lesions (Mycobacterium ulcerans infection). Report II of the Uganda Buruli Group.

At Kinyara, and in other areas of Uganda, 250 patients with pre-ulcerative Buruli lesions (Myco. ulcerans infection, have been seen over the past three years. The clinical feature of the pre-ulcerative stage of the disease are painless nodules, usually occurring singly on the legs or forearms. As the nodule can grow rapidly to become an extensive fulminating lesion, early recognition of the nodule and an appreciation of its significance by both doctor and patient are essential. Excision of the nodule is simple and usually curative, thus preventing ulcers developing and requiring prolonged hospital treatment.