Chancroid

Pathogen

  • Haemophylus ducrei (Anaerobic gram negative bacillus)

Epidemiology

  • Mainly core groups (associated with promiscuity, sex work, poor hygiene)

  • Common in Africa, Asia, Central and South America - incidence appears to have decreased since onset of HIV epidemic

Clinical

  • Incubation period <10 days

  • Asymptomatic infection rare

  • Papule > pustule > painful genital ulceration > auto-innoculation > multiple ulcers > suppurative inguinal buboes

Diagnosis

  • Visualise bacteria: Gram smear (poor sensitivity, sensitivity), culture (on selective media), approx. 50% sensitivity

  • Nucleic acid detection: in research settings

Management

  • Azithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin...(generally resistant to penicillins, tetracyclines)