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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Bairnsdale ulcer in humans and animals

Janet Fyfe A B and Carolyn O’Brien C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory
North Melbourne, Vic., Australia

B WHO Collaborating Centre for Mycobacterium ulcerans
Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory
North Melbourne, Vic., Australia
Tel: +61 3 9342 2617
Fax: +61 3 9342 2666
Email: Janet.Fyfe@mh.org.au

C Faculty of Veterinary Science
The University of Melbourne
Parkville, Vic., Australia
Tel: +61 3 9533 8955
Email: cob@catvet.net.au

Microbiology Australia 34(4) 189-191 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA13066
Published: 2 October 2013

Abstract

Buruli/Bairnsdale ulcer (BU) is a destructive skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Human BU occurs in over 30 countries including Australia. Victoria is the only region worldwide to report BU in animals. Disease occurs mainly in koalas and possums, though domestic animals may also be affected. Severely affected animals may develop systemic disease with M. ulcerans DNA in their gut contents and faeces. Native wildlife may have a role in the ecology and transmission of M. ulcerans, at least in Victoria.


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