Stages of Infection for a Buruli Ulcer

A Buruli ulcer may progress through different stages of development.

Form	Features	Stage
non-ulcerative form (pre-ulcer)	papule, nodule, plaque or edema	1
ulcerative	ulceration with undermined edges and peripheral induration	2
bone involvement	osteomyelitis due to M. ulcerans or reactive osteitis	3
complicated	see below	4

Complications:

(1) contractures

(2) bleeding (usually from erosion into a major blood vessel)

(3) secondary infection

(4) extension into underlying structures

(5) keloid or hypertrophic scar

(6) Marjolin ulcer (squamous cell carcinoma)

(7) loss of limb

Healing of an ulcer results in a depressed, stellate scar.

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.