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Chancroidal ulcers that are not chancroid. Cause and epidemiology

R S Salzman, S J Kraus, R G Miller

    Archives of Dermatology
    |May 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Diagnosing chancroid (genital ulcers) is challenging. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) testing and a new culture medium for Hemophilus ducreyi aid in differentiating these infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology
    • Dermatology

    Background:

    • Chancroid, a genital ulcer disease, is often clinically diagnosed, posing diagnostic challenges.
    • Co-infection with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is common in patients presenting with genital ulcers.
    • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and public health management of sexually transmitted infections.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the utility of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) cultures in the differential diagnosis of chancroid.
    • To assess the effectiveness of a new selective culture medium for isolating Hemophilus ducreyi.
    • To investigate the transmission patterns of chancroid and HSV among sexual partners.

    Main Methods:

    • Clinical diagnosis of chancroid was established in 33 patients.
    • Ulcer swabs were cultured for Hemophilus ducreyi (H. ducreyi) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
    • Sexual partners of index patients were examined and cultured for relevant pathogens.

    Main Results:

    • H. ducreyi was isolated from one of 33 clinically diagnosed chancroid cases.
    • HSV was isolated from 16 of the 33 chancroid patients.
    • HSV was detected in 4 of 14 sexual partners of patients with genital herpes.

    Conclusions:

    • HSV cultures can aid in the differential diagnosis of genital ulcers, distinguishing them from chancroid.
    • The new selective H. ducreyi culture medium shows promise for improved chancroid diagnosis.
    • Limited evidence of chancroid transmission was observed in sexual partners of culture-proven cases.

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