Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is caused by Klebsiella granulomatis. The diagnostic cell seen on Giemsa-stained tissue smear is:
- A Tzanck cells (multinucleated giant cells)
- B Donovan bodies (intracytoplasmic organisms within macrophages, 'safety pin' appearance) ✓
- C Amastigotes (Leishman-Donovan bodies)
- D Reed-Sternberg cells
Correct answer: B. Donovan bodies (intracytoplasmic organisms within macrophages, 'safety pin' appearance)
Explanation
Donovanosis is diagnosed by identifying 'Donovan bodies' on tissue crush smear or biopsy — these are K. granulomatis organisms encapsulated within large mononuclear (vacuolated macrophage) cells. On Giemsa stain, they appear as bipolar-staining ('safety pin' or 'closed safety pin') intracytoplasmic inclusions within macrophages. The causative organism cannot be cultured on standard media. Tzanck cells indicate viral infection (HSV). Leishman-Donovan bodies (amastigotes) are seen in leishmaniasis. Reed-Sternberg cells are in Hodgkin lymphoma.
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.