Chancroid Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Chancroid Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Chancroid is the term used to describe a sexually transmitted infection that causes ulcers to appear in the genital area.

Definition

Chancroid is the term used to describe a sexually transmitted infection that causes ulcers to appear in the genital area. This condition may or may not be followed by swollen lymph nodes in the groin area (inguinal lymphadenopathy).

The incidence of chancroid globally is currently decreasing. However, it is thought to still be found in some less-developed areas of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. This disease is more common in men than women, in men who are not circumcised than those who perform circumcision, and in populations of commercial sex workers and drug users.

The presence of chancroid, a form of sexually transmitted infection with ulceration, increases the risk of HIV transmission by 10–50 percent in women and 50–300 percent in men.

Reason

Chancroid is caused by infection with the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, which is a gram-negative, anaerobic, bacillus-shaped, and highly infective bacterium. This bacterium only causes disease in humans. H. ducreyi bacteria can enter human skin through disturbed mucous membranes, and cause local inflammatory reactions.

This bacterium will produce a toxin, namely cytocidal distending toxin, which causes the cessation of the cell cycle and death of human body cells. As a result, ulceration will occur, generally on the genitals.

Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria are transmitted sexually by direct contact with purulent or autoinoculation lesions on non-sexual body parts, such as the eyes or skin. After contracting, symptoms will appear within 1-2 weeks. 

Symptoms

Generally, the symptoms of chancroid begin with the appearance of an inflammatory lesion in the form of a red and painful papule (small lump). Within a few days, these papules can erode and form ulcers (craters) that are deep and very painful. This disease does not cause death.

Without treatment, genital lesions generally improve spontaneously within 1-3 months. However, without treatment, this infection can cause painful inguinal lymphadenopathy. If left unchecked, this lymphadenopathy can also develop into deep ulcers.

Diagnosis

The following criteria can be used to help determine the diagnosis of chancroid:

  • Presence of one or more painful ulcers on the genitals
  • The clinical presentation of genital ulcers and inguinal lymphadenopathy (if present) is typical for a chancroid
  • The patient is not infected with pallidum as evidenced by dark-field examination of ulcer exudate or syphilis serological examination performed at least 7 days after the appearance of ulcer symptoms
  • The results of the ulcer exudate examination were negative on HSV PCR examination or HSV culture

Symptoms that generally appear in chancroid sufferers are:

  • Multiple, deep, painful genital ulcers with uneven edges. In men, it is generally found on the preputium and the circumference of the head of the penis (coronal sulcus). In women it is generally found on the vulva, in rare cases, it can be found on the cervix.
  • In those who have anal intercourse, these ulcers can be found around the anus.
  • Non-genital lesions may appear as a result of accidental inoculation, for example on the fingers.
  • Painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area.
  • Complications in men include bubonic formation, phimosis, and phagedenic (rapidly growing necrotic ulcers in the penile tissue). Complications in women is the formation of buboes.

Treatment

Treatment is not only given to chancroid sufferers, but also to sexual partners of sufferers, especially those who had sexual intercourse with sufferers within 10 days before the appearance of symptoms.

This disease is caused by a bacterial infection, so the treatment given is antibiotics. Successful treatment will cure the infection, improve symptoms and complaints and prevent transmission of infection to others. However, there is a risk of scarring despite successful treatment.

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