Final answer:
The toxin associated with Buruli ulcer is called mycolactone, produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is different from the mycolic acid-rich waxy coat that helps M. tuberculosis evade the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mycobacterial toxin associated with Buruli ulcer is known as mycolactone. Unlike the Mycobacterium species such as M. tuberculosis which causes tuberculosis or M. leprae which leads to leprosy, Buruli ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. This distinct species of mycobacteria secretes mycolactone, a cytotoxic compound that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease by destroying cells in the subcutaneous tissue leading to the characteristic ulcers of the disease. Mycolactone is so potent that it can suppress the immune system, allowing the bacteria to thrive and spread without being adequately challenged.
The protection against the immune system in the case of M. tuberculosis mainly stems from the waxy coat containing mycolic acid, which is instrumental in its ability to evade the immune response and lead to chronic infections. This feature of high lipid content in the cell wall is a defining characteristic of mycobacteria. It provides a barrier against polar antibiotics and stains, necessitates special acid-fast staining for visualization under a microscope, and contributes to the slow growth of these organisms.