Final answer:
Buruli ulcer is treated with a combination of rifampicin and either streptomycin or clarithromycin, not TB drugs alone. The treatment typically involves two drugs for a duration of eight weeks to ensure the infection is effectively cleared and to reduce the risk of resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Buruli ulcer is a skin disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. The standard treatment approach involves the use of antibiotics, particularly a combination of rifampicin and either streptomycin or clarithromycin. It is critical to adhere to treatment protocols, as improper use of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Antibiotic therapy for Buruli ulcer typically spans a period of eight weeks. This treatment can target the causative bacteria effectively and prevent disease progression.
In response to part A of the question, while Buruli ulcer is caused by a mycobacterium related to the one that causes tuberculosis (TB), it requires a different treatment protocol. TB drugs alone are not sufficient for the treatment of Buruli ulcer, but drugs like rifampicin are used in both treatments because of their effectiveness against mycobacterial infections.
For part B, typically two drugs are prescribed to treat Buruli ulcer - rifampicin and either streptomycin or clarithromycin. The duration of treatment, as noted in part C, is generally about eight weeks. This is to ensure that the infection is fully cleared and to prevent the development of drug resistance.