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Pattern of epidemics of donovanosis in the "nonendemic" region
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Of the 432 genital ulcer cases seen in 1985, 36 had donovanosis, thus forming an incidence of 8.33%. In contrast, 42 (6.38%) cases of donovanosis were diagnosed among a total of 658 cases of genital ulcers in 1983. The majority of patients in both epidemics were young unmarried men who contracted the disease through extramarital sexual intercourse. Perianal lesions were seen primarily in those who had a history of sodomy. The disease chiefly affected illiterate persons of low socioeconomic strata. The incubation period varied from 1 to 90 days. Twenty (62.50%) patients in the 1985 epidemic had an incubation period of less than 7 days, in contrast to only 9 (34.61%) in the 1983 epidemic. The epidemics occurred from autumn to the start of winter. Duration of the disease varied from 1 day to 6 years. The clinical features and sites of afflication were usual; however, pseudobubo and pseudoelephantiasis were conspicuous in a significant minority.
Insights
Donovanosis incidence increased from 1983 to 1985, primarily affecting young, unmarried men through sexual contact. Shorter incubation periods were noted in the later epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Donovanosis, a chronic bacterial infection, presents with genital ulcers.
- Understanding disease incidence and transmission dynamics is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare the incidence, demographics, and epidemiological characteristics of donovanosis outbreaks in 1983 and 1985.
- To identify risk factors and trends associated with donovanosis transmission.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of genital ulcer case records from 1983 and 1985.
- Comparison of incidence rates, patient demographics, incubation periods, and clinical presentations between the two study periods.
Main Results:
- Donovanosis incidence rose from 6.38% in 1983 to 8.33% in 1985.
- The majority of affected individuals were young, unmarried men, with transmission linked to extramarital sexual intercourse.
- Shorter incubation periods (<7 days) were more prevalent in the 1985 epidemic (62.50%) compared to 1983 (34.61%).
- Perianal lesions were associated with a history of sodomy.
- The disease predominantly affected individuals of low socioeconomic status and lower educational attainment.
Conclusions:
- Donovanosis incidence showed an increase between 1983 and 1985, with a trend towards shorter incubation periods in the later epidemic.
- Risk factors include young age, unmarried status, extramarital sexual contact, and potentially sodomy.
- The findings highlight the importance of targeted public health strategies for controlling donovanosis, particularly in vulnerable populations.