Confirming Autochthonous Buruli Ulcer Cases in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Environmental Mycobacterium ulcerans causes a disabling skin disease called Buruli ulcer. Recent studies completed the knowledge of the evolving geographic extension and epidemiology of Buruli ulcer in West Africa, where Cote d'Ivoire is reporting the highest number of cases. We report seven polymerase chain reaction-documented patients in Burkina Faso, a neighboring country of Cote d'Ivoire, where previously Buruli ulcer cases were confirmed primarily using clinical arguments.