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Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, (Bairnsdale ulcer, Buruli ulcer, Daintree ulcer)

What is it?
Bairnsdale ulcer, Buruli ulcer and Daintree ulcer are all local names given to the same disease which is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). This environmental mycobacterium produces a toxin that kills fat cells, blocks capillaries and inhibits the local immune response. The disease is generally an ulcerative condition confined to the skin and subcutaneous fat, but can produce very extensive skin loss. The infection occurs in humans, possums, koalas and occasional other species.

Further information on diagnosis & treatment  ** http://members.ozemail.com.au/~groverjohnson/Mulcerans.htm

** Provided by:
Dr. Paul Johnson, Infectious Diseases Physician
Infectious Diseases Department, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, 3084, Melbourne, Australia. Fax: +613 9496 6677

Department of Human Services, Victoria
website: www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/alerts/index.htm

Fact sheet from WHO .. September 2005
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs199/en/index.html