Chancroid

Chancroid, also known as soft chancre, is a highly contagious but treatable sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful genital ulcers and inguinal adenitis. Chancroidal lesions may heal spontaneously and usually respond well to treatment in the absence of secondary infections. The disease is usually found in developing and Third World countries. Only a small number of cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, most of which occur in people who have traveled outside the country to areas where the disease is relatively common. A high rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been reported among patients with chancroid.

Causes

Chancroid results from infection with Haemophilus ducreyi, a gram-negative Streptobacillus, and is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Nonsexual transmission may occur when pus from the ulcer makes contact with skin in other parts of the body or with another person. Poor hygiene may predispose men—especially those who are uncircumcised—to this disease.

There is no evidence of natural resistance to this infection. A person can be readily reinfected after treatment if preventive measures are not taken. The disease has not been reported in infants born to women with active chancroid at the time of vaginal delivery.

Complications

Complications of chancroid may include phimosis, secondary infections, and urethral fistulas.

Assessment Findings

After a 3- to 5-day incubation period, a small papule appears at the entry site, usually the groin or inner thigh; in men, it may appear on the penis; in women, on the inner thighs, anus, vulva, vagina, or cervix. (See Chancroidal lesion.)

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