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Chancroid and Haemophilus ducreyi: an update
1Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Insights
Haemophilus ducreyi causes chancroid, a sexually transmitted infection that facilitates HIV transmission. Advances in diagnostics and research into virulence factors are improving understanding and management of this important genital ulcerative disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Haemophilus ducreyi is a gram-negative bacillus responsible for chancroid, a significant sexually transmitted infection.
- Chancroid is prevalent in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with rising concern in the United States.
- Genital ulcerative diseases, including chancroid, are linked to increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and understanding of Haemophilus ducreyi pathogenesis.
- To highlight the development of diagnostic tools and models for studying virulence factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Haemophilus ducreyi diagnostics and pathogenesis research.
- Discussion of in vitro and in vivo models used to identify virulence determinants.
- Mention of biochemical and molecular techniques employed in virulence factor identification.
Main Results:
- Nonculture diagnostic tests have improved the ability to diagnose chancroid.
- Development of in vitro and in vivo models has facilitated the identification of potential virulence determinants.
- Biochemical and molecular analyses have identified key macromolecular components involved in H. ducreyi virulence.
Conclusions:
- Renewed interest in Haemophilus ducreyi pathogenesis is driven by improved diagnostic capabilities.
- Understanding virulence factors is crucial for developing effective strategies against chancroid and its role in HIV transmission.
Abstract:
Haemophilus ducreyi is a fastidious gram-negative bacillus that causes the sexually transmitted infection chancroid. Chancroid is a major genital ulcerative disease in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America and is of increasing concern in the United States. Genital ulcerative disease and chancroid in particular have been associated with facilitating the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. The diagnosis of chancroid based on the clinical appearance of the genital lesion or on the isolation of H. ducreyi on selective medium is relatively insensitive. However, recent advances in nonculture diagnostic tests have enhanced our ability to diagnose chancroid. There has been renewed interest in understanding the pathogenesis of H. ducreyi. In vitro and in vivo models have been developed to help identify important virulence determinants. Through the use of biochemical and molecular techniques, macromolecular components that may be important in virulence have been identified.