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Granuloma inguinale

Definition:

Granuloma inguinale is a sexually transmitted disease that is rarely seen in the United States.

Alternative Names:

Donovanosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Granuloma inguinale is caused by the bacteria Calymmatobacterium granulomatis . The disease is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas such as Southeast India, Guyana, and New Guinea, but it occurs on occasion in the United States, typically in the Southeast. There are approximately 100 cases reported per year in the United States.

The disease spreads mostly through vaginal or anal intercourse. Very rarely, it spreads during oral sex.

Men are affected more than twice as often as women, with most infections occurring in people aged 20-40 years. The disease is seldom seen in children or the elderly.

References:

Keck JW. Ulcerative Lesions. Clin Fam Pract . 2005 Mar; 7(1); 13-30.

Rackel RE, Bope ET. Granuloma Inguinale. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2005 . 57th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2005:859.

Skin layers

Review Date: 6/29/2007
Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine,College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant AttendingPhysician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & MedicalDirector, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, HarlemHospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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