Causes The bacterium that causes Donovanosis is usually found in contaminated food or water, first causing intestinal and rectal symptoms. The disease is then sexually transmitted primarily by people who engage in anal sex or oral-anal contact. Though only moderately contagious, it is transmitted most often when the disease is in its early stages and symptoms are unnoticed by the victim. The sores are not especially painful, but will spread along the warm, moist folds of skin throughout the groin to the anus. Self-infection to other parts of the body through touching or scratching is possible.
Discomfort increases as the infection progresses.
A two-week course of antibiotic treatment, using tetracycline, doxycicline, minocycline, erythromycin or sulfamethoxazole, will typically eliminate the infection. Sores generally begin to clear within a week after initiating treatment and will often heal completely within three to five weeks. Scars left by the sores are regarded as precancerous, however, and annual examinations thereafter are recommended. Back to Top Alternative Treatment Abstaining from sexual activity while healing from this bacterial infection is essential if a complete cure is to occur. Reinfection and spreading of the infection can occur easily with open wounds and skin abrasions.