Donovanosis, also termed granuloma inguinale, is a bacterial disease attributed to Klebsiella granulomatis (formerly Calymmatobacterium granulomatis) and marked by genital ulcers [1][2][3]. It is a progressive, mildly infectious condition typically involving the genital area and is known under numerous historical synonyms [1][3].
Disease overview
Bacterial Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Donovanosis is a chronic bacterial infection causing genital ulceration, with the causative agent described as Calymmatobacterium granulomatis and proposed for reclassification as Klebsiella granulomatis [1][2][3]. The condition is endemic in many less-developed regions but has shown a significant global decline in prevalence and is approaching eradication [1][3]. In developed countries such as the United States, reported annual cases are around 100 owing to effective antibiotic therapy [1].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
The illness begins with small, painless nodules 10–40 days after bacterial contact, which later rupture into open, fleshy red ulcers with rolled edges that bleed readily [1]. Lesions commonly appear at the site of contact such as the penile shaft, labia, perineum, or oral region via intercourse, and may spread through autoinoculation or produce a pseudobubo without lymph node involvement [1]. Oral cavity lesions are generally secondary to active genital disease [1].
Donovanosis is endemic in many less-developed regions and remains underdiagnosed both in endemic areas and where clinicians lack tropical disease experience [1][4]. Developed nations report very low incidence, with about 100 yearly cases in the United States, and a documented epidemic occurred in Durban from 1988–97 although its current status is unclear [1][2]. Globally, prevalence has declined substantially and the disease is nearing eradication, with an Australian Aboriginal elimination programme serving as a potential model [2][3].
The infection is transmitted through sexual contact, with risk markedly increased by contact with individuals from endemic regions [1]. Lesions can also spread by autoinoculation, and oral involvement may follow oral intercourse [1].
Effective prevention includes condom use, sexually transmitted infection testing prior to initiating a sexual relationship, and avoidance of sexual contact with persons from endemic areas [1]. Because the disease responds well to antibiotics, low incidence in developed countries reflects the protective effect of timely treatment access [1].
- 1 Wikipedia contributors. Granuloma inguinale - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granuloma_inguinale
- 2 O'Farrell N et al. Donovanosis. Sex Transm Infect. 2002 Dec. PMID: 12473810. doi: 10.1136/sti.78.6.452. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12473810/
- 3 O'Farrell N et al. Donovanosis. Clin Dermatol. 2026 Jan-Feb. PMID: 41016613. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2025.09.007. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41016613/
- 4 Velho PE et al. Donovanosis. Braz J Infect Dis. 2008 Dec. PMID: 19287842. doi: 10.1590/s1413-86702008000600015. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19287842/
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