Chancroid

Chancroid

Chancroid is an infection of bacteria termed Haemophilus ducreyi which causes a small bump or sores in the genitals that is painful and with sharp margins. The disease is mostly prevalent in developing and third world nations with outbreaks often reported among people who engage in sex trade. ^{[1] [2]}

Epidemiology

The exact incidence is unknown. A 1995 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that about 7 million people are affected globally. ^[2] Males are more affected especially the uncircumcised ones. ^[3]

Causes

The causative organism is Haemophilus ducreyi which is a small bacterium that often enters the body through disruption in skin integrity such as cuts. It then produces toxin which causes the consequential effects of chancroid. ^[2] Risk factors include being sexually active, lower socioeconomic status, drug abuse and poor personal hygiene. ^{[2] [3]}

Signs and Symptoms

A person often notices one or more sores located in the genital organs which initially has red margins then later on becomes packed with pus that eventually becomes tender. The base of the ulcer or skin sore may have a grayish or yellowish gray coating and may easily bleed. According to experts, as long as the sores are open, a person is considered contagious. Lymph glands in the groin become affected thus in several days after, the affected individual may feel that his or her groin is hard and painful. ^[3] Females may experience no symptom or in other cases, difficulty in urination or pain during sexual intercourse may be the only symptoms. ^{[2] [3]}

Diagnosis

History taking and physical exam are needed to diagnose chancroids. ^[1] The bacteria can be studied microscopically through gram staining procedure. Since the disease is sexually transmitted, an affected person should also be screened for other diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea. ^[2]

Treatment

Antibiotics are given to an infected person such as azithromycin or ceftriaxone. Local swellings may necessitate drainage procedures. ^[1]

Prevention

Sexual abstinence is the greatest way to prevent the spread of infection. Using condoms may also help. If an affected person touched the skin lesions, he should wash his hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid its spread to other parts of his body or to other people. ^[4]

References:

1.      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000635.htm

2.      http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/214737-overview

3.      http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/chancroid/fact_sheet.htm

4.      http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/chancroid-21687.htm

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