What Is Chancroid?
What Is Chancroid (Soft Chancre)?
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It can cause painful sores in the genital area and, in some people, swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the groin.
Chancroid is now rare in many regions. More common causes of genital sores include genital herpes and syphilis. Therefore, the appearance of a sore alone is not sufficient to make a diagnosis.
How is chancroid transmitted?
The infection can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. When sores are present in the genital area, other sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes and syphilis, should also be considered.
What are the symptoms of chancroid?
Chancroid may cause one or more painful genital ulcers. The sores may be tender and bleed easily. Some people may develop painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin; this swelling does not occur in every patient.
These symptoms are not specific to chancroid. Infections such as herpes and syphilis can also cause similar sores. If you notice a new sore, blister or painful swelling in the genital area, consult a healthcare professional. Do not squeeze the sore or take antibiotics on your own.
How is chancroid diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through a medical assessment and appropriate laboratory tests. In cases of genital ulcers, other possible causes, such as herpes and syphilis, should be investigated alongside chancroid. Since a blood test for syphilis may be negative in the early stages of infection, the doctor will assess the timing of the test and whether repeat testing is needed.
The Wellcare STI PCR panel also tests for H. ducreyi. When chancroid is suspected, a healthcare professional determines the specimen type and collection site, taking into account the location of the sore and the test's specimen acceptance criteria. For information about the other pathogens included in our panel and the specimen types, you can visit our STI PCR test page or contact our laboratory.
How is chancroid treated?
Chancroid is treated with antibiotics selected by a doctor. The CDC guidelines include single-dose azithromycin or intramuscular ceftriaxone, as well as other antibiotic options taken for a specified duration. The choice of medication may vary depending on factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, drug allergies, coexisting medical conditions and possible antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should not be used without a doctor's recommendation.
A follow-up assessment is recommended within 3–7 days after treatment begins. The time it takes for sores to heal may vary depending on their size and the person's health status. If healing does not begin, the diagnosis and response to treatment should be reassessed. Lymph nodes in the groin containing a collection of pus may require an additional medical procedure.
Do sexual partners need to be assessed?
Yes. It is recommended that sexual partners who had contact with a person diagnosed with chancroid during the 10 days before symptoms began be assessed by a healthcare professional. Assessment and any tests deemed appropriate may be needed even if the partner has no symptoms. The doctor's advice regarding sexual contact during treatment and recovery should be followed.
Testing for HIV and other infections when chancroid is diagnosed
HIV testing is recommended for people diagnosed with chancroid. When assessing genital ulcers, tests for syphilis and, depending on the person's history, other sexually transmitted infections may also be requested. The type and timing of the tests are important for interpreting the results correctly.