The disease begins with the appearance of lumps or blisters in the genital area. The blister becomes a slowly enlarging open sore. The incubation period appears to be between eight and 80 days after infection. Granuloma inguinale is communicable as long as the infected person remains untreated and bacteria from lesions are present. Past infection does not make a person immune.
Susceptibility is variable.
There is no evidence of natural resistance. There are several antibiotics that will effectively cure granuloma inguinale. Response to the antibiotic should be evident within seven days and total healing usually occurs within three to five weeks. If left untreated, granuloma inguinale can result in extensive destruction of genital organs and may also spread to other parts of the body. Limit the number of sex partners.