Drug Efficacy Testing in the Mouse Footpad Model of Buruli Ulcer.

Abstract

Great progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of Buruli ulcer over the last 20years. The rediscovery of the mouse footpad model of the disease with translation to clinical practice has changed treatment of this infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, from surgery and skin grafting to the administration of antibiotics for 8weeks or less with superior cure rates. Here we describe the development and enhancement of the mouse model during the last two decades.