Donovanosis

Abstract

Donovanosis is a chronic bacterial illness frequently associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI) and is under diagnosed both in endemic areas as well as in countries in which doctors have little experience with tropical diseases. The utilization of syndromic diagnosis and treatment of STIs in various parts of the world and the previous use of antibiotics make it difficult to find Donovan bodies in the cytodiagnostic and hystopathological exams, requiring the utilization of technology that is neither routine nor often accessible to confirm the hypothesized diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to bring medical professionals up to date about this infectious disease.

Donovanosis

“…From a practical standpoint, it is not possible to rule out the diagnosis of donovanosis in a patient with this diagnostic hypothesis considering only the absence of the disease in their sexual partners in the last six months. 28 , 29 …”

“…The diagnosis must be made taking into account the clinical aspect of the lesions, but it depends primarily on the demonstration of Donovan bodies in material obtained from the lesions, using cytological preparations and histological sections for confirmation. 3 , 28 The presence of cells with Donovan bodies is pathognomonic for the infection.…”

European guideline for the management of donovanosis, 2010

“…Previous use of antibiotics makes the definitive diagnosis of donovanosis difficult. 7 Histological examination for Donovan bodies is best done using Giemsa or silver stains. The characteristic picture shows chronic inflammation with infiltration of plasma cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.…”

Donovanosis in a child victim of sexual abuse: response to doxycycline treatment

“…It is a secular disease endemic in tropical and subtropical countries and affects both men and women, especially between 20 and 40 years of age. 1 Low socioeconomic status, poor hygiene, and sexual promiscuity are the main risk factors. 2 …”

“…Donovanosis presents an incubation period ranging from 1 to 360 days, with an average of 50 days. Clinical presentation begins with a painless papule or nodule that evolves slowly, ulcerating into a softened and erythematous lesion with well-defined, hardened and elevated irregular borders 1 . Both the clinical presentation and chronology of this case are compatible with the classic description.…”