Granuloma inguinale diagnosed on the bedside

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Donovanosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Klebsiella granulomatis.
• It presents as a painless, granulomatous genital ulcer, rare among sexually transmitted infections.
• The disease is typically confined to specific endemic regions globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of donovanosis in a non-endemic area.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful management of an atypical presentation.
• To emphasize the importance of considering donovanosis in genital ulcer disease, even outside endemic zones.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of a solitary genital ulcer.
• Initial diagnostic tests were inconclusive.
• Repeat tissue smear examination revealed Donovan bodies for bedside diagnosis.

Main Results:

• A patient in a non-endemic region presented with a solitary genital ulcer.
• Donovan bodies were identified on repeat tissue smear, confirming donovanosis.
• The diagnosis facilitated immediate and effective management.

Conclusions:

• Donovanosis can occur in non-endemic areas, challenging initial diagnoses.
• Bedside diagnosis via tissue smear for Donovan bodies is crucial for prompt management.
• Increased awareness is needed for this rare sexually transmitted infection in diverse geographical settings.