Sexually Transmitted Diseases  >  Tracking the Hidden Epidemics 2000 (1999 data)

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Chancroid

Chancroid is caused by a bacterial infection that produces genital ulcers. Reported cases of chancroid declined steadily from 4,986 cases in 1987 to 143 reported cases in 1999. While chancroid is not widespread, it is believed to be substantially under-diagnosed and underreported. Moreover, chancroid has the potential to cause large out-breaks. It is difficult to diagnose without a specific laboratory test, which most health care providers and laboratories do not have the capability to perform (Beck-Sague, CDC, 1996). Even large outbreaks may go unrecognized despite a large burden of disease in the community. The disease causes genital ulcers and is of concern because it may contribute to increased HIV transmission in some communities (Mertz, CDC, 1998).

A Closer Look at Chancroid

In 1999, only 16 states and one outlying area reported one or more cases of chancroid and three of these states-New York, South Carolina, and Texas-accounted for nearly 72 percent of the 143 reported cases.

A 1996 10-city study demonstrated substantial levels of unrecognized chancroid in some cities. In both Chicago and Memphis,Tenn., a significant percentage of patients with genital ulcers in STD clinics had evidence of chancroid-12 percent and 20 percent, respectively. In Memphis, none of the patients had been diagnosed with chancroid, and few had received the appropriate treatment. In Chicago, the disease had been suspected, but not confirmed. Fortunately, most of these patients were treated appropriately for chancroid (Mertz, CDC, 1998).

In the above study, more men were found to be infected with chancroid than women. This study also found that 60 percent of chancroid cases were diagnosed in people 35 years of age or older (Mertz, cdc, 1998).

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