Overview
Not to be confused with chancre, chancroid is an acute, localised sexually transmitted infection causing painful genital ulcers caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, a Gram-negative rod which is more commonly seen in tropical countries and usually spread via sexual contact.
Haemophilus ducreyi can produce a cytolethal distending toxin that causes cells to become enlarged and distended, resulting in ulcers that slowly heal.
Presentation
Overview
Features of chancroid include:
- Painful genital ulcers:
- Usually sharply defined, ragged, and have undermined borders (cause more damage under the skin surface)
- Found on the external genitalia and may develop on adjacent skin surfaces
- Painful inguinal lymph node enlargement
Investigations
Overview
Diagnosis can be made clinically, however, culturing using material from the ulcer or aspirated lymph nodes and Gram-staining can confirm the diagnosis.
Management
Overview
Options for treatment include a single dose of oral azithromycin, IM ceftriaxone, or oral ciprofloxacin, or a 3-day course of oral ciprofloxacin or a 7-day course of erythromycin in people with HIV.
