Chancroid

The most recent notification in WA was in 2010.

This is a notifiable infection. Medical practitioners must complete the appropriate notification form for all patients diagnosed with a notifiable STI/HIV, as soon as possible after confirmed diagnosis.

Real time WA notification data.

For specialist advice, see Contacts for specialist advice on STIs, hepatitis and HIV 

Haemophilus ducreyi is the organism responsible for chancroid. It is an imported infection and is not endemic in Australia.

Chancroid ulcers are usually tender and multiple, and may be associated with fluctuant inguinal lymphadenitis. Unusual or large ulcers should be discussed urgently with a specialist because, occasionally, very rapid, extensive and destructive ulceration may occur.

STI Atlas (external site)

• Ask the patient about overseas sexual exposure.

• Diagnosis is by culture of H. ducreyi on specialised media. It is important to call the laboratory to discuss specimen collection before taking the specimen.

Directly observed single dose therapy is preferred.

• azithromycin 1 g orally, as a single dose

        or

• ceftriaxone 500 mg in 2 mL 1% lignocaine intramuscularly, as a single dose

        or

• ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally, 12-hourly for three days.

Check for other STIs and perform contact tracing to prevent further transmission and reinfection.

Pregnancy

Australian categorisation system for prescribing medicines in pregnancy (external site)

Partners need to be investigated and treated. Partners should be advised no sexual contact for 7 days after completion of treatment and to avoid sexual contact with any partners from the last 6 months until 7 days after they have been tested and treated. See Australasian contact tracing guidelines (external site).

Review the patient until the ulcers have healed.