CHANCROID

BOOKMARK
PRINT AS PDF

Causative organism Haemophilus ducreyi
Incubation period Usually 3 to 5 days, can be up to 14 days. (SoNG)
How far to trace back  14 days or since arrival in endemic area, whichever is shorter (SONG, US, European guidelines)
Usual testing method Nucleic acid amplification testing or culture
Common symptoms Anogenital ulcers; enlarged tender inguinal nodes (buboes) which may breakdown and discharge
Likelihood of transmission per act of unprotected intercourse High
Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected High; asymptomatic infection is thought to occur sometimes in people with a vagina
Protective effect of condoms Probably high
Transmission by oral sex Rare
Duration of potential infectivity Weeks
Important sequelae Local tissue destruction, inguinal abscesses and draining sinuses
Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contacts Cure
Usual management of contacts

Counselling, clinical examination and testing of lesions for chancroid

Presumptively treat partners see Australasian STI Management Guidelines for treatment quidelines

Contact tracing priority High, as not endemic in Australia or New Zealand. Specialist support for contact tracing should be sought if local acquisition or transmission is possible
Notification

Notifiable in most Australian states and territories except ACT, Tasmania and Victoria: Check local guidelines and seek specialist contact tracing support.

Notifiable:

NSW: Doctors and laboratories on diagnoses

NT: Doctors and laboratories

QLD: Laboratory only

SA: Doctors and laboratories

WA: Doctors and laboratories

Not notifiable in New Zealand

References

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 - Chancroid

NSW Health, Control Guideline for Public Health Units
Chancroid control guideline

 

 Page last updated October 2022