What is Chancroid?
Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It is a notable cause of genital ulcers and is more common in some parts of the world, including areas of Africa and the Caribbean, but can occur anywhere.
Unlike the painless sore of primary syphilis, the ulcers of chancroid are typically very painful.
Symptoms of Chancroid
Symptoms usually appear within a week after infection:
- It starts as a small, tender bump that quickly becomes a pus-filled open sore (an ulcer).
- The ulcers are typically soft (unlike the hard chancre of syphilis), have ragged edges, and a grayish base.
- They are very painful to the touch.
- About half of infected men will have a single ulcer, while women often have four or more ulcers.
- Painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin area (inguinal lymphadenopathy or buboes) occur in about 50% of cases. These can become inflamed, rupture, and drain pus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is usually based on the distinctive appearance of the ulcers. A definitive diagnosis can be made by taking a sample from the ulcer and testing for Haemophilus ducreyi. It's also important to test for other STIs like syphilis and herpes, which also cause ulcers.
Chancroid is a curable STI. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics, such as:
- Azithromycin (single dose)
- Ceftriaxone (single injection)
- Erythromycin or Ciprofloxacin (multiple days)
Symptoms should improve within a few days of starting treatment. Sexual partners should also be examined and treated, regardless of whether they have symptoms.