Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is caused by the bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis. Southeast India, Guyana, and New Guinea are places where the illness is most prevalent. In the United States, roughly 100 cases are documented each year. People who have gone to or come from areas where the illness is prevalent are the most likely to get it.

Vaginal or anal intercourse is the primary mode of transmission for the illness. Oral intercourse is the only time it may spread.

 

Symptoms

There are slow-growing open lesions or "ulcers" on the genitals that equally affect both men and women. Approximately one in ten persons may also suffer from ulcers in the genitals, anus, and mouth.

These sores may progress, even though they are initially painless. They tend to bleed freely and should be treated as soon as possible. A nodular lesion (also known as a hard, elevated bump) is the most common form of a precancerous lesion.

 

Types

There are four basic forms of donovanosis that the presence of these lesions may identify:

·       In the beginning, this is the most popular form of communication. In the early stages, they're reddish-beefy with tissue that becomes "grainier" (granulation) and "very vascular" (many small blood veins). They're usually not painful, but they're prone to bleeding.

·       This kind of ulcer is sometimes referred to as "verrucous" or "cicatricial." They have a wavy border and are usually dry.

·       The depth of necrotic ulcers increases. They have a pungent odour and may be irritating to the touch.

·       Fibrous ulcers seem to be scar tissue that does not hurt.

 

What Is It and How Is It Spreading?

An infection causes Donovanosis in the genital region with Klebsiella granulomatis, a bacterium. Nonsexual skin-to-skin contact is far more uncommon than sexual contact when it comes to this.

In most instances, symptoms appear 1 to 4 weeks after infection, although they may take up to a year in rare situations.

 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

Genital nodules, sores or open lesions are often the first signs of this disease. A few factors may cause sores like these. As a result, the only method of determining whether or not you have donovanosis is to see a doctor.

They will conduct a thorough physical examination. A sample of the ulcer will be taken to test whether it has the bacterium (Klebsiella granulomatis) that causes donovanosis if it is suspected. They may also collect a blood sample from ruling out the possibility of any other STIs.

 

Complications

Donovanosis ulcers may continue to form and eventually injure or kill bigger skin regions if left untreated. There is a risk of scar tissue and blocked lymph vessels due to this treatment.

Cancer of the genitals may also be connected to long-term infection. These ulcers may need to be surgically removed if your doctor is worried.

Donovanosis may spread to other regions of your body, such as your bones or liver, in very uncommon circumstances. This condition may result in joint discomfort and swelling, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and an overall sensation of unwellness.

 

Prevention

Monitoring your own and your partner's sexual health is the greatest defence against contracting donovanosis or spreading it to someone else. If you have any doubts about your partner's sexual health or history, don't engage in sexual activity with someone who has obvious genital sores.

 

References

1.     Carter J S, Bowden F J, Bastian I.et al Phylogenetic evidence for reclassification of Calymmatobacterium granulomatis as Klebsiella granulomatis comb nov. Int J Systematic Bacteriol 1999491695–1700.

2.     Kharsany A B, Hoosen A A, Kiepiela P.et al Phylogenetic analysis of Calymmatobacterium granulomatis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. J Med Microbiol 199948841–847.

3.     Donovan C. Ulcerating granuloma of the pudenda. Indian Medical Gazette 190540414 

4.     O'Farrell N, Hoosen A A, Coetzee K.et al A rapid stain for the diagnosis of granuloma inguinale. Genitourin Med 199066200–201. 

5.     Cannefax G R. The technic of the tissue spread method for demonstrating Donovan bodies. J Vener Dis Inform 194829210–214.

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