Mycobacterium ulcerans infection diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection is the third most important mycobacterial infection world-wide affecting immunocompetent individuals and causes chronic progressive skin ulcers. It has been described in many different regions world-wide. The diagnosis of M. ulcerans infection is often delayed because the diagnosis is difficult to make when new cases appear outside known endemic areas. However, molecular methods are now available to diagnose and distinguish M. ulcerans from other mycobacteria, allowing rapid diagnosis. Presented here is the case of a previously well girl from Townsville, Queensland, with extensive M. ulcerans infection involving the elbow joint, triceps tendon and underlying ..