Buruli ulcer: an update for GPs working in inner Melbourne

Buruli ulcer is an infection of the subcutaneous tissue caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans.

This session will highlight key information for clinicians about the risk, as well as how to recognise and diagnose the condition. 

Buruli ulcers have been consistently occurring in Victoria for decades, but recent years have seen an increase in case numbers and new areas of the state being affected. These include the northern suburbs of Melbourne.  

Buruli ulcer can cause significant cosmetic and functional damage, and early diagnosis is associated with better outcomes. 

This session will cover: 

• areas in Victoria where Buruli ulcer is occurring  
• what is known about transmission 
• how to recognise and diagnose  
• an overview of treatment.

Speaker

Michael Birrell, Infectious Diseases Physician - Western Public Health Unit 

Dr Michael Birrell is an infectious diseases physician based at Western Health. He works in the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Western Public Health Unit. He believes in the importance of preventative strategies to decrease the burden of communicable disease, and using local data to best inform local management. 

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the local epidemiology of Buruli ulcer. 
• Recognise and diagnose Buruli ulcers. 
• Provide management for patients with Buruli ulcer in conjunction with an infectious disease physician.