Chancroid

Definition

Chancroid is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, characterized by painful genital ulcers and swollen lymph nodes. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that primarily affects the urogenital system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chancroid is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi.
2. The primary symptom of chancroid is painful genital ulcers with irregular borders.
3. It can lead to swollen, tender lymph nodes in the groin, often resulting in abscesses.
4. Chancroid is diagnosed through clinical examination and confirmed by culturing H. ducreyi from ulcer exudates.
5. Antibiotics such as azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin are effective treatments for chancroid.

Review Questions

• What bacterium causes chancroid?
• What are the primary symptoms of chancroid?
• How is chancroid typically diagnosed and treated?

Related terms

Haemophilus ducreyi: A gram-negative coccobacillus bacterium responsible for causing chancroid.

Genital Ulcers: Open sores or lesions on the genital area, often associated with STIs like chancroid.

Lymphadenopathy: Swelling of lymph nodes which can occur in infections like chancroid.