Laboratory diagnosis of chancroid in Nairobi, Kenya
Lubwama, S.W.; Nsanze, H.; Plummer, F.; Ndinya-Achola, J.; Ronald, A.R.; D'Costa, L.J.; Naamara, W.; Maitha, G.
East African Medical Journal 63(6): 389-394
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 3533507 Document Number: 284319
Chancroid was studied in male patients at the Nairobi City special treatment clinics (STC) during the period of June-September 1984 and January-March 1985. In 183 out 225 specimens (81%), Haemophilus ducreyi was isolated at the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences. All isolates grew very well on the solid media after 48 hours' incubation at 37.degree. C in a candle extinction jar with a moistened paper. Colonies measured 1-2 mm in diameter and were buff-yellow or greyish in colour. They could be pushed intact across agar surface and were gram negative rods occasionally with typical school of fish appearance. They were catalase negative, neither did they produce indole nor hydrogen sulphide. All strains were Beta-lactamase and oxidase positive. They required X but not V factor for growth. The non-specificity and unreliability of the direct Gram stain on the clinical smear were noted.