STD awareness: Donovanosis
DONOVANOSIS (granuloma inguinale) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria klebsiella granulomatis.
According to obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Ryan Halsall, the disease is spread via sexual intercourse.
He explained that men are usually more affected than women and symptoms usually present between the first to 12th week after coming in contact with the bacteria that cause the disease.
“About one half of infected men and women have sores in the genital area, causing small, beefy-red bumps. The skin gradually wears away, and the bumps turn into raised, beefy-red, velvety nodules called granulation tissue. They are often painless, but they bleed easily if injured. The disease slowly spreads and destroys genital tissue. Tissue damage may spread to the groin. The genitals and the skin around them lose skin colour,” he said, explaining that in the early stages it may be difficult to diagnose as it may resemble chancroid.
Dr Halsall added: “In the later stages, donovanosis may look like advanced genital cancers, lymphogranuloma venereum, and anogenital cutaneous amebiasis.”
If diagnosed, Dr Halsall said antibiotics are used to treat the disease; however, he said to cure the condition, long-term treatment is needed with follow-up examinations as the disease can reappear after it seems to be cured.
The ObGyn said it is important for treatment to occur to decrease the chances of scarring or tissue damage, as if left untreated the genital tissue may be scarred, skin around the genitals may become discoloured, and there may be permanent swelling in the genital area.
Dr Halsall said proper use of condoms decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease, so it is important to practise safe sex at all times in order to prevent transmission.
— Kimberley Hibbert
