Why Buruli ulcers look worse before they get better

With more cases emerging, all GPs will want to know more about how to treat this disease
Dr Lyn-li Lim

April, aged 21, presents to her GP with a two-month history of a non-healing leg ulcer.

She is otherwise well and her only medication is the combined oral contraceptive pill.

April had visited Phillip Island four months prior to this presentation.

Her GP initially swabs her ulcer for standard bacterial microscopy and culture, and prescribes two weeks of oral flucloxacillin empirically.