Granuloma inguinale

Alternative names:

donovanosis

Symptoms:

• small beefy-red bump (papule) on the genitalia or the perianal area
• formation of red, elevated masses (granulation tissue)
• gradual spreading with erosion and destruction of genital tissue
• spread of disease to the inguinal folds
• depigmentation of the genitals and surrounding skin

Signs and tests:

Classically, the diagnosis of granuloma inguinale should be considered if genital lesions have been present for a long time and have been progressively enlarging. No serological tests such as that used to detect syphilis are available for diagnosing granuloma inguinale.

Tests that may be performed include:

• punch biopsy of lesion to provide tissue for microscopic examination and culturing
• culture of tissue sample
• microscopic examination of tissue sample