An Ulcer by Any Other Name: Non-herpes and Non-syphilis Ulcerative Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

The myriad presentations of ulcerative sexually transmitted infections, other than genital herpes and syphilis, challenge even the most astute clinician given the considerable overlap in clinical presentation and lack of widely available diagnostic resources, such as nucleic acid testing, to confirm the diagnosis. Even so, case prevalence is relatively low, and incidence of chancroid and granuloma inguinale are declining. These diseases still cause substantial morbidity and increased chance for HIV acquisition, and with the recent advent of mpox as a cause, it remains imperative to identify and treat accurately.

Keywords: Chancroid; Donovanosis; Genital ulcer disease; Lymphogranuloma venereum; Mpox virus; Ulcer.