Our limited understanding of the biology of M. ulcerans and the disease caused by this pathogen requires a comprehensive research work. The project includes basic research and applied research ranging from molecular microbiology and cellular immunology to field studies and social-economic research. The consortium combines the necessary multidisciplinarity, complementarity and experience in the field of BU and a longstanding North-South interaction between partners.
The present consortium combines special expertise in molecular and cellular mycobacteriology, molecular and conventional diagnostics, pathology, immunology, entomology, epidemiology, field trials and drug treatment studies, surgery and socio-economic studies. All partners have done work in the field of BU, some extensively and for many years. Since they have done research work with different emphasis and approaches, they will bring very different knowledge, experiences and skills into the consortium. The individual expertise is listed in the profile of partners in detail.
Prof. Portaels (partner 2) has the most longstanding expertise in bacteriology of M. ulcerans including its genetics, biology and occurrence and has worked in all 3 developing countries represented in this consortium. Since many years she has close links with all 3 African partner laboratories.
Partner 3 (Dr. Johnson, Cotonou) is for many years involved in work on BU control and has experience in treatment of BU patients. He has already started work on psychological aspects of BU.
The research group of Dr. van der Werf (partner 6) in the University Medical Centre Groningen has been involved in a number of studies on tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer over the last years. Partner 6 adds clinical experience with treatment studies of patients with BU in Ghana and Benin and has an intensive cooperation with partner 3.
Partner 5 (Prof. Adjei, University of Kumasi, Ghana) has initiated studies on presurgical diagnosis and on standardization of diagnosis and surgical treatment in BU. He has experience in field trials and treatment studies and has a long cooperation with partners 1 and 7.
Partner 1 (scientists at the Bernhard Nocht Institute, Hamburg lead by Prof. Fleischer) adds to the consortium a thorough knowledge of immunology including the analysis of the host response both in situ in vitro, as well as histopathology for diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and diagnostic PCR technology. This latter capacity of this institute has recently been proven by the identification of the SARS coronavirus. The successful scientific work of all partners is demonstrated by a long list publications.
Noteworthy, the consortium is closely linked to national Buruli ulcer control programmes. BU is endemic in the participating developing countries Benin, Ghana and Congo. These countries particularly suffer from the disease and Benin and Ghana have installed a national Buruli ulcer control programme. The partner from Benin is heading the national control programme and the Partner in Ghana has been appointed as one of the two national reference laboratories.
Moreover, the consortium has close links with international Buruli programmes through WHO. The coordinator of WHO BU programme, Dr. Kingsley Asiedu has expressed WHO’s keen interest in this project. He has given advice during preparation of the project and has agreed to provide all drugs necessary for the treatment trials.