What you need to know about flesh eating STI donovanosis - and how it’s treated

New data suggests the STI is on the rise (Photo: Shutterstock)

A rare “flesh eating” sexully transmitted infection (STI) is reportedly on the rise in the UK according to data from Public Health England.

This is everything you need to know.

What is Donovanosis?

Donovanosis, also known as granuloma inguinale, is a type of STI that infects the skin around the genitals, groin, anal or mouth area.

The reason that this STI is often described as “flesh eating” is because it causes genital ulcers, which are lesions, or sores, which detroy skin and tissue.

Donovanosis is caused by a bacteria called Klebsiella granulomatis, and the ulcers are initially painless. Without treatment, these sores will increase in size and can evolve into a red lump that progressively destroys normal skin.

Other bacterias can also infect these sores, which can cause them to become painful.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says: “Clinically, the disease is characterized as painless, slowly progressive ulcerative lesions on the genitals or perineum without regional lymphadenopathy; subcutaneous granulomas (pseudobuboes) also might occur.

“The lesions are highly vascular (i.e., beefy red appearance) and can bleed. Extragenital infection can occur with infection extension to the pelvis, or it can disseminate to intra-abdominal organs, bones, or the mouth.”

Because the sores are so typical, it can usually be diagnosed from sight alone, but because it is such an uncommon STI, a biopsy is often taken and looked at under a microscope.

A diagnosis is confirmed from the appearance of typical “Donovan Bodies”.

How is it treated?

The good news is that it can be treated with a course of antibiotics, with the ulcers beginning to heal within days.

The length of the course of antibiotics will depend on the length of time since the infection, and what stage the infection is at. Painkillers can also be taken if the ulcers are painful.

Any partners of the person diagnosed with the infection will also require treatment as well.

Treatment is important because if left untreated, donovanosis could cause permanent genital inflammation, scarring, damage or tissue discolouring.

Healthline also adds: “It’s also possible for the infection to spread to your pelvis, bones, and internal organs.

“This STI may even cause damage to the anus, urethra, and bowels. Cancers may occur in untreated genital ulcers.”

How is it spread?

Like most other STIs, donovanosis is primarily transmitted from person to person via vaginal or anal intercourse. It can also be passed on through oral intercourse as well.

In some rare cases, this STI has also been transmitted through nonsexual, skin-to-skin contact.

It’s possible for a mother to pass it to their newborn during childbirth if the mother has an infection.