Mycobacterium ulcerans cytotoxicity in an adipose cell model

An adipose cell (SW872) model was developed to observe cellular necrosis and apoptosis upon Mycobacterium ulcerans infection and treatment with mycobacterial exudate. Apoptosis was likely due to secreted proteins, while necrosis was likely due to mycolactone. Our data suggest that additional factors in AT. ulcerans may be involved in Buruli ulcer pathogenesis.