Clinical presentation

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (also known as Buruli, Bairnsdale or Daintree ulcer) is geographically restricted, occurring in coastal Victoria, Far North Queensland and occasionally the Capricorn coast of Queensland.

Skin and soft tissue infection caused by M. ulcerans usually begins as a painless dermal papule or subcutaneous nodule, which breaks down over weeks to months to form a necrotic ulcer with undermined edges. The necrosis may extend several centimetres beyond the edge of the surface lesion.

M. ulcerans less commonly presents as an atypical cellulitis involving part or all of a limb, or as a plaque without an ulcer.