Venerology — MCQs

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of chancroid?

Typically indurated ulcer. **Chancroid** is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Gram-negative coccobacillus ***Haemophilus ducreyi***. Understanding its clinical presentation is crucial for differentiating it from Syphilis (the "Great Mimicker"). ### Why Option D is Correct The hallmark of Chancroid is a **non-indurated** (soft) ulcer. In contrast, **induration** (firmness/hardness at the base) is the classic feature of a **Hard Chancre** seen in Primary Syphilis (*Treponema pallidum*). Because Chancroid lacks this firmness, it is often referred to as a "Soft Chancre." ### Explanation of Incorrect Options * **A. Ulcer bleeds easily:** Chancroidal ulcers have a friable base covered with a gray or yellow purulent exudate. When the base is scraped or touched, it bleeds easily. * **B. Painful ulcer:** This is the most important clinical differentiator from Syphilis. Chancroid ulcers are **exquisitely painful**, whereas Syphilitic chancre is typically painless. * **C. Bubo formation:** In about 50% of cases, patients develop painful, inflammatory inguinal lymphadenopathy. These can become fluctuant and are termed **buboes**, which may rupture spontaneously. ### NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls * **School of Fish Appearance:** On Gram stain, *H. ducreyi* shows a characteristic "railroad track" or "school of fish" arrangement. * **The "P" Rule:** Remember **Chancroid = Painful** (both the ulcer and the lymph nodes). * **Autoinoculation:** Multiple ulcers are common in Chancroid due to autoinoculation ("kissing ulcers"). * **Treatment:** The CDC recommended treatment is a single dose of **Azithromycin (1g orally)** or Ceftriaxone (250mg IM).

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Syphilis

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Gonorrhea

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Chlamydial Infections

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Chancroid and Other Genital Ulcers

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HIV and STIs

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

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STI Screening and Prevention

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Partner Notification and Treatment

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Sexually Transmitted Enteric Infections

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Special Populations Management

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Venerology — MCQs

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