Definition for Chancroid
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Chancroid is characterized by soft, painful genital ulcers called soft chancres that form at the site of infection. The condition may be asymptomatic; however, the most common symptom in women is painful urination caused by the presence of a chancroid ulcer blocking the opening of the urethra. In half of patients, the infection spreads to the lymph nodes, producing buboes. Chancroid is caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, a Gram-negative bacterium that is an obligate parasite of humans and produces a toxin that kills epithelial cells. Treatment is with antimicrobial drugs. Buboes need to be drained. As with all STDs, abstinence or mutual monogamy are the best preventives.