Chancroid

Chancroid is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, representing a sexually transmitted genital ulcerative condition associated with inguinal bubo formation ^[1][2].

Chancroid presents with painful genital ulcers that are characteristically 'soft' compared to syphilis ^[1]. Approximately half of infected men develop a single ulcer, while women frequently present with four or more ulcers ^[1]. About one-third of infected individuals develop painful inguinal lymph node enlargement, with half of these progressing to rupture through the skin, producing draining abscesses known as buboes ^[1]. The ulcers are typically confined to the genital region and represent only local manifestations without systemic involvement ^[1][2].

Chancroid is primarily found in developing countries, most prevalent in low socioeconomic groups associated with commercial sex workers ^[1]. Although prevalence has decreased in the United States and worldwide, sporadic outbreaks can still occur in regions of the Caribbean and Africa ^[1]. Infection levels in Western countries are very low ^[1]. Recent surveys indicate H. ducreyi has re-emerged as a frequent cause of chronic skin ulceration in some Western Pacific regions ^[2]. Like other sexually transmitted infections, chancroid increases the risk of transmitting and acquiring HIV ^[1].

Chancroid spreads primarily through sexual contact and is highly infectious ^[1][2]. The disease is associated with populations with high sexual activity, particularly commercial sex workers ^[1]. There have been reports of accidental infection through the hand, though this is rare ^[1].

Prevention strategies include consistent condom use and syndromic management of genital ulcers ^[1]. Treatment of sexual partners is advocated regardless of symptoms if there was unprotected sexual intercourse with the patient within 10 days of developing symptoms ^[1]. Antibiotic prophylaxis has been utilized in some settings ^[1].

1. 1Wikipedia contributors. Chancroid - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 3 Sept 2026.Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chancroid
2. 2Lewis DA et al. Chancroid. Clin Dermatol. 2026 Jan-Feb. PMID: 41046959. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2025.09.017.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41046959/
3. 3Roett MA et al. Genital Ulcers: Differential Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Mar 15. PMID: 32163252.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32163252/
4. 4Ogale YP et al. A Sore Subject? An Examination of National Case-Based Chancroid Surveillance. Sex Transm Dis. 2023 Aug 1. PMID: 37010821. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001814.PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37010821/