Traits of M. ulcerans as a pathogen

1. Mycobacterium ulcerans is closely related phylogenetically to M. tuberculosis, 2. Replication and persistence of M. ulcerans in BU lesions is profoundly influenced by production of mycolactone, a macrolide cytotoxin that has immunosuppressive properties. 3. it induces apoptosis of infected host cells, inhibits production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. 4. Mycolactone also damages nerve cells. 5. can diffuse from infected skin tissue to lymphoid organs. 6.