Donovanosis

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: 1A91

Granuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale

Sexually transmitted disease (STD), which is caused by Klebsiella granulomatis.

In some 3rd world countries (Caribbean, South America, etc.) there is endemic occurrence.

Men are more often affected than women.

Causative agent: Klebsiella granulomatis (Calymmatobacterium granulomatosis, Donovania granulomatosis), a Gram-negative facultative anaerobic rod that lives intracellularly in macrophages, where it is known as the Donovan corpuscle.

Asexual transmission has been reported in children.

Incubation period: 1 week – 3 months

A granulomatous ulcer develops from an indolent papule. The granulomatous changes inguinally can be interpreted as pseudo-lymph node swelling (pseudobubonias).

History (unprotected GV?)

Clinic

Biopsy

Nucleic acid amplification mehtodes are only performed in a few laboratories

.

Macrophage and plasma cell containing inflammatory infiltrate. Enlarged macrophages with intracellular bacteria (Donovan bodies) in the Giemsa stain.

Abscess formation

Elefantiasis due to obstruction of the lymphatic vessels

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  2. Okhremchuk I, Marmottant E, Abed S, Nguyen AT, Fournier B, Boye T, Morand JJ. A case of donovanosis acquired in France. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Nov;143(11):697-700. doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2016.03.011. Epub 2016 May 9. French.
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