Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is caused by Klebsiella granulomatis. The diagnostic tissue finding on Giemsa-stained smear of crush preparation is:
- A Intracellular organisms within neutrophils (Donovan bodies)
- B Intracellular organisms within macrophages (Donovan bodies) ✓
- C Multinucleated giant cells with intranuclear inclusions
- D Owl-eye intranuclear inclusions in endothelial cells
Correct answer: B. Intracellular organisms within macrophages (Donovan bodies)
Explanation
Donovan bodies are intracytoplasmic clusters of K. granulomatis within large vacuolated mononuclear cells (macrophages), not neutrophils. On Giemsa or Wright stain, they appear as dark bipolar-staining (safety-pin appearance) rod-shaped organisms in the cytoplasm of macrophages. The tissue crush smear technique (Donovan's technique) is used for diagnosis. Treatment of choice is azithromycin 1g weekly or doxycycline 100mg BD for ≥3 weeks.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.