General Information: This organism causes Buruli ulcer and is the third most common mycobacterial pathogen after Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. The disease has increased dramatically through central and West Africa since the late 1980s. Causative agent of Buruli and Bairnsdale ulcer. Infection by Mycobacterium ulcerans causes the formation of skin ulcers which, if left untreated, can lead to extensive scarring and/or amputation. Mycobacterium ulcerans produces a cytotoxin, mycolactone, which causes the destruction of skin tissue seen in this disease. This organism is resistant to antibiotics and treatment involves the surgical removal of infected tissues.