As with other genital ulcerative diseases, it facilitates the transmission of HIV infection. Chancroid is an acute bacterial infection of the genital area caused by Haemophilis ducreyi . It is the most common cause of genital ulcers in some tropical and subtropical regions of the world particularly in developing countries of Asia and Africa. It facilitates the transmission of HIV infection. Coinfection with syphilis and herpes simplex virus are also common.
Transmission is usually by direct contact with discharges from open lesions during sexual activity.
Non-sexual transmission is rare. Chancroid is rare in Australia where there are only 1 or 2 cases notified per year. It should be suspected in the case of genital ulcers acquired in South East Asia, India or Africa. In Queensland, where it is notifiable, there have been no cases notified since 1993. Lesions of the cervix may occur.