Chancroid

Definition

Definition of Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful sores on the genitalia. Chancroid is known to spread from one individual to another solely through sexual contact.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Chancroid
After an incubation period of one day to two weeks, chancroid begins with a small bump that becomes an ulcer within a day of its appearance. The ulcer characteristically:

1. Ranges in size dramatically from 3 to 50 mm (1/8 inch to two inches) across is painful
2. Has sharply defined, undermined borders
3. Has irregular or ragged borders
4. Has a base that is covered with a gray or yellowish-gray material
5. Has a base that bleeds easily if traumatized or scraped painful lymphadenopathy occurs in 30 to 60% of patients.

Causes

Causes of Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial infection caused by the fastidious Gram-negative streptobacillus Haemophilus ducreyi. It is a disease found primarily in developing countries, most prevalent in low socioeconomic groups, associated with commercial sex workers.

Infection levels are low in the Western world, typically around one case per two million of the population (Canada, France, Australia, UK and US). Most individuals diagnosed with chancroid have visited countries or areas where the disease is known to occur frequently, although outbreaks have been observed in association with crack cocaine use and prostitution.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Chancroid
Chancroid is diagnosed by looking at the ulcer(s) and checking for swollen lymph nodes. There are no blood tests for chancroid.

Treatment

Treatment of Chancroid
The CDC recommendation for chancroid is a single oral dose (1 gram) of Azithromycin or a single IM dose of Ceftriaxone or oral Erythromycin for seven days.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Chancroid
Chancroid can get better on its own. However, some people may have months of painful ulcers and draining. Antibiotic treatment usually clears up the lesions quickly with very little scarring.

Prevention

Prevention of Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial infection that is spread by sexual contact with an infected person. Avoiding all forms of sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease.