What is the recommended treatment for granuloma inguinale?

The recommended treatment for granuloma inguinale, also known as donovanosis, is the use of antibiotics, with doxycycline being one of the first-line treatments. Granuloma inguinale is caused by the bacterium Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, and the infection is characterized by progressive, ulcerative lesions primarily in the genital region.

Doxycycline is effective due to its broad-spectrum activity against a variety of bacteria, including those causing soft tissue infections. In cases of granuloma inguinale, doxycycline not only helps to reduce the bacterial load but also promotes healing of the ulcerative lesions. Alternative treatments, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) or azithromycin, can also be used; however, doxycycline is often preferred.

Other options provided, such as ciprofloxacin and imipenem, are not typically used for this type of infection as they are not effective against the causative organism of granuloma inguinale. Ciprofloxacin is primarily effective against a different spectrum of pathogens, particularly gram-negative bacteria, and while imipenem is a potent antibiotic, it is more reserved for serious infections caused by resistant bacteria rather than for granuloma inguinale