Chancroid

Although chancroid is still one of the minor sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, the incidence has increased, with over 3000 cases in 1986. Cases have been reported in 21 states, primarily among black and Hispanic heterosexual men. Patients may be asymptomatic, but frequently both primary and secondary sexual contacts have ulcers. Because confirmation of the diagnosis requires special laboratory conditions, diagnosis usually is based on characteristics of the lesions. Chancroid can be confused with other more common diseases, particularly genital herpes. Differential characteristics are incubation period, location and appearance of lesions, and the presence or absence of associated lymphadenopathy. A simple regimen of antibiotic therapy is highly effective, but control of outbreaks requires prompt identification, treatment of a patient's sexual contacts, and patient education about prevention.