Granuloma Inguinale

A chronic, progressive bacterial infection of the genitals, granuloma inguinale is also called donovanosis or granuloma venereum. It occurs most frequently in tropical areas of the world and is very rare in the United States. Characterized by one or more painless, beefy-red open sores that slowly enlarge, it affects the genitals of both men and women. Although granuloma inguinale is only mildly contagious, it can be spread unknowingly in its early stages, when the symptoms are easily overlooked.

Sores may appear within one week of infection or may take as long as 3 months to develop. These lesions may resemble those caused by other diseases. The diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of cells taken from the edge of a lesion. Granuloma inguinale can cause serious complications if left untreated, but antibiotics such as tetracycline can eliminate the infection. Lesions should begin to clear within 7 days of initiation of treatment and should heal completely with 3 to 5 weeks of therapy.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.