STD

Chancroid

Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium named Haemophilus ducreyi. This bacterium is closely associated with inguinal lymphadenitis and is known to cause ulcers in the genitalia. This bacterium is also known to co-exists with other organism like Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis and Herpes simplex.

The Haemophilus ducreyi bacterium was first describe in 1889 by Agosto Ducrey, an Italian dermatologist. This gram-negative organism is predominantly found in extra-cellular spaces. The Haemophilus ducreyi bacterium is a fastidious organism which means that it requires very stringent conditions to grow.

This disease is very common in third world countries where there commercial sex is rampant and many people have poor hygienic practices. It is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical climates but sporadic in tropical climates.

In advanced and developed counties like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and France, the level of infection is around one person in about two million. This is relatively low. The cases are mostly attributed to prostitutes. The risk of infection in uncircumcised men is three times higher than circumcised men.

Although Chancroid is transmitted almost exclusively through sexual contact, there are reported cases where the disease was acquired by accidental inoculation which happened in several hospitals around the world.

The virus incubates from one day to two weeks. A small bump begins to surface which starts to turn into ulcer after a few hours. The ulcer can be painful. Its size ranges from 1/8 inch to two inches and its borders are ragged. When the ulcer is scraped or traumatized, it will bleed.

In men, the common locations for the ulcers are in foreskin, shaft of the penis, groove behind the penis’ head, head and opening of the penis and the scrotum.

The most common location in women is in the labia majora. This may further develop to become “kissing ulcers”. Other common locations include the labia minora, the inner thighs and the perineal area. Women infected with the bacteria experience pain in urinating and during sexual intercourse.

About have of Chancroid cases which were untreated led to spontaneous resolution without complications. When untreated, it may develop Inguinal lymphadenitis, fistula formation, fusospirochaetosis, haemorrhage and phimosis. It is extremely important to get medical treatment at the earliest signs of infection.

Multi-dose therapy medications include Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, Co-trimoxazole and Ciprofloxacin while single-dose therapy medications include Ofloxacin, Spectinomycin, Co-trimoxazole and Ceftriaxone.

Chancroid, like other genital ulcerative diseases, is thought to facilitate transmission of the AIDS virus. Washing with water and soap does not guarantee safety. Condoms can prevent transmission when used correctly. The best way to prevent is to avoid having sexual contact with an infected partner.

Sex education in schools around the world has included topics on sexually transmitted diseases. Several websites offer valuable resources on prevention and treatment of many sexually transmitted diseases. This is to ensure that the rapidly growing population does not become a catastrophic playground for these little killer organisms, especially now that casual sex is becoming more common.