Genital Ulcers and Multidrug Resistance

Abstract

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and is characterised by necrotising genito-perineal ulcers which may be accompanied by inguinal lymphadenitis or bubo formation with possible spread to the thigh. We presented a rare case of a 23year old polytechnic undergraduate who presented to the hospital with complaints of extensive painful ulcer in her vulva for over ten (10) days. On culture of the swab from the ulcer, Haemophilus Ducreyi and E Coli sensitive to Ceftriazone, Ofloxacin and Gentamycin were isolated. Patient was treated with IV Ceftriazone for 5 days and Ciprofloxacin for 10 days with good recovery. The case highlighted the need for increased vigilance in managing genital ulcers in contemporary clinical practices and for carefulness in the choice of a sexual partner and practices among adolescents and young girls.