Granuloma inguinale is a rare sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacteria Calymmatobacterium granulomatis and that leads to chronic inflammation and scarring of the genitals.

Granuloma inguinale is extremely rare in developed countries but still occurs in Papua New Guinea, Australia, southern Africa, and parts of Brazil and India.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 1 to 12 weeks after infection. The first symptom is a painless, red nodule that slowly enlarges into a round, raised lump. The lump then breaks down to form a sore near the site of the initial infection:

• Penis, scrotum, groin, and thighs in men
• Vulva, vagina, and surrounding skin in women
• Face in both sexes
• Anus and buttocks in people who have anal intercourse

Sores may spread to other areas. They heal slowly and cause scarring. Occasionally, the infection spreads through the bloodstream to the bones, joints, or liver.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is suspected in people who live in areas where the infection occurs and who have sores typical of the infection. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors take a sample of fluid scraped from the sore and examine it under a microscope.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline taken by mouth for at least 3 weeks is effective.

Last full review/revision October 2008 by J. Allen McCutchan, MD, MSc