ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Oct 2010
Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in North Queensland: the 'Daintree ulcer'.
As the third most common mycobacterial infection in the world after tuberculosis and leprosy, Mycobacterium ulcerans is a major health and development problem that has become the focus of a World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative seeking to reduce the burden of this disease. The Daintree River catchment in north Queensland is an endemic focus for Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, known locally as the 'Daintree Ulcer'. The aim of this study is to analyse the changing pattern of the disease over the last 44 years in the region. ⋯ Ulcers caused by M. ulcerans infection are a distinct clinical entity in tropical North Queensland. Early recognition, diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention has minimised morbidity associated with this disease.