Histopathological examination of a biopsy from a progressive granulomatous ulcer involving the genitalia and perineum of a 40-year-old man shows large mononuclear cells with intracytoplasmic clusters of bacteria. These clusters within phagolysosomes are called:
- A Guarnieri bodies
- B Michaelis-Gutmann bodies
- C Donovan bodies (Calymmatobacterium granulomatis) ✓
- D Henderson-Paterson bodies
Explanation
Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is caused by Klebsiella granulomatis (formerly Calymmatobacterium granulomatis). Crush preparation of the ulcer and histopathology show large mononuclear macrophages with intracytoplasmic cysts containing 'safety pin'-shaped organisms — called Donovan bodies. The large vacuolated macrophages are pathognomonic. Treatment is azithromycin 1 g weekly or doxycycline 100 mg BD for minimum 3 weeks until complete healing. Guarnieri bodies are seen in smallpox (eosinophilic inclusions). Michaelis-Gutmann bodies are calcified inclusions in malakoplakia. Henderson-Paterson bodies are intracytoplasmic inclusions in molluscum contagiosum.
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.