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Cutaneous chancroid in a visitor from Vanuatu.
William J H McBride1, Rory C S Hannah, Genevera M Le Cornec
1School of Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. john.mcbride@jcu.edu.au
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|April 17, 2008
Summary
Cutaneous chancroid, a bacterial skin infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, should be considered for non-healing leg ulcers in the South Pacific. Early diagnosis and treatment with penicillin were effective in this case.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cutaneous chancroid is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, a pathogen primarily associated with genital ulcers.
- Non-healing skin ulcers in tropical and subtropical regions can have diverse etiologies, necessitating accurate diagnostic approaches.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old woman from Vanuatu presented with a persistent, non-healing lower leg ulcer.
- Diagnostic investigations included multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ulcerative conditions.
Findings:
- Haemophilus ducreyi was detected in the ulcer swab via PCR.
- Gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Haemophilus ducreyi, establishing the diagnosis of cutaneous chancroid.
- The patient's leg ulcer demonstrated a positive response to intramuscular benzathine penicillin treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering cutaneous chancroid in the differential diagnosis of non-healing skin ulcers in the South Pacific.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of Haemophilus ducreyi infections is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.
- The successful treatment with penicillin underscores its efficacy in managing cutaneous chancroid.
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