Introduction
Donovanosis, also known as Granuloma Inguinale, is a chronic sexually transmitted bacterial infection that primarily affects the genital and perineal regions. It is a slow-progressing disease but can cause significant tissue destruction if left untreated. The condition is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of India.
DONOVANOSIS
Causative Organism
Donovanosis is caused by a bacterium called
Klebsiella granulomatis (previously known as Calymmatobacterium granulomatis).
Mode of Transmission
- Mainly through sexual contact
- Rarely through non-sexual close contact
- Incubation period: 1–4 weeks, sometimes longer
Clinical Features (Symptoms)
Early Stage
- Small, painless red nodules on genital area
- Nodules slowly enlarge
Progressive Stage
- Formation of painless, beefy-red ulcers
- Ulcers bleed easily on touch
- No lymph node enlargement (important distinguishing feature)
Late/Complicated Stage
- Extensive tissue destruction
- Scarring and deformity of genital organs
- Secondary bacterial infection
- Rarely, squamous cell carcinoma may develop
Types of Lesions
- Ulcerogranulomatous type – most common
- Hypertrophic (verrucous) type
- Necrotic type
- Sclerotic (fibrotic) type
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is mainly clinical, supported by laboratory tests:
- Tissue smear or biopsy
- Identification of Donovan bodies (intracellular bacteria) inside macrophages
- Stains used:
- Giemsa stain
- Wright stain
- Leishman stain
Differential Diagnosis
- Syphilis
- Chancroid
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
- Genital tuberculosis
- Genital malignancy
Treatment
Donovanosis responds well to antibiotics when diagnosed early.
First-line Treatment
- Azithromycin 1 g weekly or 500 mg daily
(continued until complete healing)
Alternative Drugs
- Doxycycline
- Ciprofloxacin
- Erythromycin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
⏳ NOTE :-
Treatment duration: Minimum 3 weeks or until lesions heal completely.
Prevention
- Safe sexual practices
- Early diagnosis and treatment
- Screening and treatment of sexual partners
- Avoid sexual contact until complete cure
Prognosis
- Excellent with early treatment
- Delayed treatment may cause permanent tissue damage
- Relapse may occur if treatment is inadequate
Conclusion
Donovanosis is a treatable but potentially destructive STD. Awareness, early diagnosis, and proper antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent complications. Any chronic painless genital ulcer should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is Donovanosis painful?
No, lesions are usually painless, which may delay diagnosis.
Q2. Is Donovanosis contagious?
Yes, it is sexually transmitted.
Q3. Can Donovanosis heal without treatment?
No, it requires antibiotics. Untreated disease worsens over time.
Q4. Does Donovanosis cause infertility?
Indirectly yes, due to scarring and genital damage if untreated.
Q5. Can Donovanosis recur?
Yes, if treatment is incomplete or reinfection occurs.
