Notes on Mycobacterium Ulcerans

Abstract

A record is given of the events leading to the discovery, the cultivation, and the animal transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative organism of the "Bairnsdale ulcer", together with a discussion on the possible animal hosts and vectors. It is suggested as a mailer of speculation that the insectivorous bats may be incriminated as the natural hosts, and that bed-bugs or related bugs, parasitic on bats, may be the vectors.