Chancroid

Chancroid is primarily a sexually transmitted infection that is most common in resource-poor countries. It is rare in North America and Europe.

Chancroid is caused by the fastidious, gram-negative coccobacillus Haemophilus ducreyi. Classically it presents with the acute onset of a painful genital ulcer, and is often associated with fluctuant lymphadenitis (bubo formation).

An important cofactor in HIV transmission. HIV status must be assessed.

It usually resolves with antibiotic therapy; recurrence is rare.

Sexual partners within 10 days prior to onset of symptoms must be traced and treated, even if asymptomatic.

Nonsexually transmitted limb ulcers due to H ducreyi have been described in yaws-endemic countries.

Chancroid is an infectious disease caused by the fastidious, gram-negative coccobacillus Haemophilus ducreyi, most commonly presenting with a painful genital ulcer, and often associated with fluctuant lymphadenitis.