What is Chancroid?

Chancroid
H. ducreyi microcolony formation assay. The relative abilities of 35000HP, 35000HPhfq::cat, 35000HPhfq::cat(pML129), and 35000HPhfq::cat(pACYC177) to form microcolonies was tested by incubating these strains with Hs27 fibroblasts. The larger pictures were taken at a ×14 magnification. The contents of the white boxes are shown to the right of each picture at a ×40 magnification. Results of a representative experiment showed that the hfq mutant formed bacterial cell aggregates but that these clusters of bacterial cells were much less compact than those formed by the parent and complemented strains. Haemophilus ducreyi Hfq contributes to virulence gene regulation as cells enter stationary phase: Gangaiah D, Labandeira-Rey M, Zhang X, Fortney KR, Ellinger S, Zwickl B, Baker B, Liu Y, Janowicz DM, Katz BP, Brautigam CA, Munson RS, Hansen EJ, Spinola SM - mBio (2014). Not altered. CC.

Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and results in painful, superficial ulcers, often with regional lymphadenopathy.

What is the Pathology of Chancroid?

The pathology of chancroid is:

-Etiology: The cause of chancroid is Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria.

-Genes involved: Not applicable. 

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to chancroid is: the bacteria enter the skin through disrupted mucosa and cause a local inflammatory reaction.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with chancroid shows small gram-negative rods.

-Histology: The histology associated with chancroid shows the zonation phenomenon at the ulcer base.

How does Chancroid Present?

Patients with chancroid typically are all genders with an age range of  21-30 years old. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with chancroid include: rectal bleeding, pain with bowel movements, dyspareunia, painful urination, vaginal discharge.

How is Chancroid Diagnosed?

Chancroid is diagnosed by antigen detection, serology, and genetic amplification methods.

How is Chancroid Treated?

Chancroid is treated by antibiotics azithromycin.

What is the Prognosis of Chancroid?

The prognosis of chancroid is good. Untreated chancroid conditions may cause permanent scarring on the penis or lead to serious complications in those with a vagina.