Disease Carriers
Bacteria: Haemophilus ducreyi
Haemophilus ducreyi is a major cause of human genital ulcer disease (chancroid) in developing countries (incidence being highest in African, Asian and Latin American nations). Until the 1980's, chancroid was believed to be of little medical importance in this country. Now, however, it has been recognized that the genital ulcers of chancroid have been epidemiologically associated with sexual transmission of HIV virus. In the past decade, outbreaks in major United States’ cities (including New York) have been associated with populations with a high incidence of HIV-1 infection.
Although treatment with antibiotics can cure the infection, strains resistant to ampicillin and penicillin are becoming more prevalent; strains even resistant to chloramphenicol are now being encountered.
Two scanning electron micrographs showing the bacterial pathogen Haemophilus ducreyi.
Learn more about chancroid.