Chancroid and cutaneous ulcers

Haemophilus ducreyi is the cause of both sexually transmitted chancroid and nonsexually transmitted cutaneous ulcers. Both are more common in resource-limited countries. 

Chancroid classically presents with the onset of painful genital ulcers. Often associated with inguinal lymphadenitis. It is an important cofactor in HIV transmission.

Cutaneous ulcers typically present on the limbs and are seen more frequently in children.

Both chancroid and cutaneous ulcers usually resolve with antibiotic therapy.

The fastidious, gram-negative coccobacillus H ducreyi is the cause of both sexually transmitted chancroid and nonsexually transmitted cutaneous ulcers.[1]Al-Tawfiq JA, Spinola SM. Infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi: one organism, two stories. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2024 Dec 10;37(4):e0013524. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39287406?tool=bestpractice.com ​ While chancroid is a well-established manifestation of H ducreyi infection, the organism has more recently been identified as a major cause of limb ulcers in children from yaws-endemic countries.[2]Roberts SA, Taylor SL. Haemophilus ducreyi: a newly recognised cause of chronic skin ulceration. Lancet Glob Health. 2014 Apr;2(4):e187-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25103048?tool=bestpractice.com [3]Mitjà O, Lukehart SA, Pokowas G, et al. Haemophilus ducreyi as a cause of skin ulcers in children from a yaws-endemic area of Papua New Guinea: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Glob Health. 2014 Apr;2(4):e235-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25103064?tool=bestpractice.com [4]Spinola SM. Haemophilus ducreyi as a cause of skin ulcers. Lancet Glob Health. 2014 Jul;2(7):e387. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25103386?tool=bestpractice.com [5]Marks M, Chi KH, Vahi V, et al. Haemophilus ducreyi associated with skin ulcers among children, Solomon Islands. Emerg Infect Dis. 2014 Oct;20(10):1705-7. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/20/10/14-0573_article http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271477?tool=bestpractice.com