Caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium ulcerans . Although the true burden is unknown, it is considered the third most common mycobacterial infection of humans after tuberculosis and leprosy. Buruli ulcer is endemic in at least 31 countries in Africa, Western Pacific, Asia and South America. These countries are Angola, Australia, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso,Cameroon, China, Congo, C te d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Togo and Uganda.
Most patients are children and women who live in rural areas near rivers or wetlands .
Most commonly afflicts limbs . Treatment with antibiotics has been unsuccessful to date. Current treatment is surgical excision requiring long hospitalizations and very expensive for those most afflicted. HIV infection is not a known risk factor. Early detection and treatment prevent complications.