Since 1987, reported cases of chancroid have declined steadily until 2001 when 38 cases were reported (Figure 35, Table 1). In 2003, 54 cases of chancroid were reported in the United States. Only thirteen states and one outlying area reported one or more cases of chancroid in 2003 and one of these states (South Carolina) accounted for 24 (44%) of the 54 reported cases in 2003 (Table 45). Although the overall decline in reported chancroid cases most likely reflects a decline in the incidence of this disease, these data should be interpreted with caution in view of the fact that Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative organism of chancroid, is difficult to culture and, as a result, this condition may be substantially under diagnosed.^1,2

Case reporting data for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV), genital warts or other human papillomavirus infections, and trichomoniasis are not available. Trend data are limited to estimates of the office visits in physicians' office practices provided by the National Disease and Therapeutic Index (NDTI) (Figures 36-38 and Table 47).

For data on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), see the Special Focus Profile on Women and Infants.

¹ Schulte JM, Martich FA, Schmid GP. Chancroid in the United States, 1981-1990: Evidence for underreporting of cases. MMWR 1992;41(no. SS-3):57-61.

² Mertz KJ, Trees D, Levine WC, et al. Etiology of genital ulcers and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus coinfection in 10 US cities. J Infect Dis 1998;178:1795-8

Figure 35. Chancroid — Reported cases: United States, 1981–2003

Figure 36. Genital herpes — Initial visits to physicians' offices: United States, 1966–2003

Note: See Appendix (Other Data Sources) and Table 47.
SOURCE: National Disease and Therapeutic Index (IMS Health)

Figure 37. Genital warts — Initial visits to physicians' offices: United States, 1966–2003

Note: See Appendix (Other Data Sources) and Table 47.
SOURCE: National Disease and Therapeutic Index (IMS Health)

Figure 38. Trichomoniasis and other vaginal infections — Initial visits to physicians' offices: United States, 1966–2003

Note: See Appendix (Other Data Sources) and Table 47.
SOURCE: National Disease and Therapeutic Index (IMS Health)