Cytologic detection of cervical granuloma inguinale

Two cases of granuloma inguinale detected cytologically on routine Papanicolaou-stained cervical smears are presented; the cytologic and histologic features are described in detail, and the electron microscopic appearances are shown. The suitability of the Papanicolaou stain in the detection of granuloma inguinale is discussed, with emphasis on possible differential diagnoses to be considered. It is concluded that a definitive diagnosis of granuloma inguinale can be made on routine Papanicolaou-stained smears showing the following spectrum of changes: intact capillaries indicative of epithelial and stromal ulceration; a marked inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting predominantly of neutrophils; epithelioid histiocytes representing granuloma formation; and Donovan bodies located in characteristic single or multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles within large histiocytes. Recognition of this cytologic picture may enable early diagnosis, even in nonendemic areas, of a potentially disfiguring venereal disease.