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Donovanosis

The bacteria that causes donovanosis are difficult to culture, but the infection leaves behind dark-colored objects called donovan bodies, seen above, in the lesions it causes. — The bacteria that causes donovanosis are difficult to culture, but the infection leaves behind dark-colored objects called donovan bodies, seen above, in the lesions it causes. Image: CDC/ Dr. Cornelio Arevalo, Venezuela

The infection: Donovanosis, also called granuloma inguinale, is caused by the bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis. There are perhaps less than 100 new cases in the U.S. a year, but it’s more common in tropical regions.

Symptoms and long-term effects: Painless ulcers around the genitals that can eventually become “beefy red,” foul-smelling, bleeding lesions. In rare cases, these ulcers can draw in other bacteria if left untreated, causing a “flesh-eating” infection that permanently destroys tissue. Chronic infections may also raise the risk of cancer.

How to treat it: Donovanosis is thankfully rare in much of the world and can be treated with three weeks of antibiotics, though longer treatment may be needed for people with slower-healing ulcers.

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