Disease transmission and host-pathogen interactions in Buruli ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans

• Applicant: Dr. Michael Käser
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2004 to 2007
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5424759

Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of 'Buruli ulcer`, the third most common mycobacterial disease - after tuberculosis and leprosy. It is an infectious disease of growing spread and socio-economic impact that often leads to large ulcers which can progress to the destruction of muscle and bone tissue. Nevertheless, this pathogen has been hardly studied so far at the cellular and molecular level and little is known about its mode of transmission. Within this framework and in accordance with the research priorities challenged by the WHO for this emerging disease, my application suggests molecular-biological studies that would contribute to the understanding of transmission pathways and host-pathogen interactions. These studies include firstly micro-epidemiological characterization of genetic variants in time and space  aiming the identification of environmental reservoirs relevant for infection. Secondly, in combining techniques of molecular genetics, proteomics, and immunology I planned to develop tools for both helping unravelling the mode of host-pathogen interactions in M. ulcerans disease and providing with an urgently needed serodiagnosis. In the long run, these studies may also support development of an effective vaccine. It is expected that the M. ulcerans genome project will be completed in a few months. The then available information resources combined with modern biological approaches will strongly facilitate research on Buruli ulcer. The proposed research activities will be imbedded in an active and growing research program in the host laboratory.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships