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Diseases & Topics

Granuloma Inguinale

Granuloma inguinale (also known as Donovanosis) is a slowly progressive, sexually transmitted disease caused by Klebsiella granulomatis bacteria. Granuloma inguinale rarely occurs in the United States; typically about 100 cases per year, primarily in the Southeast region. It is more common in tropical and developing areas including India, the Caribbean, central Australia, southern Africa and Papua, New Guinea.

Symptoms of granuloma inguinale usually occur 1-12 weeks after infection. The infection typically begins with a painless nodule in the genital or perineal area that slowly progresses into shallow, sharply demarcated ulcers without regional lymphadenopathy. The lesions are friable with a beefy red appearance and without treatment the infection can spread to involve the lower abdomen and thighs. Extragenital infection can also occur with extension to the pelvis, intra-abdominal organs, bones and mouth. As the disease spreads, it destroys tissue.

Long-term treatment with antibiotics is usually required to cure Granuloma inguinale.

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