PSEUDOEPITHELIOMATOUS HYPERPLASIA IN MYCOBACTERIUM ULCERANS INFECTION

Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the epidermis occurring with Myco bacterium ulcerans skin infection may result in localization of the in fected area with discharge of necrotic material, followed by healing l eaving a depressed scar. The process represents more than simple re-ep ithelization of an ulcerated skin surface; it is a mechanism which pro duces active extrusion of necrotic material containing viable mycobact eria and should be seen as part of a protective physiological response to the infection.