Status of granuloma inguinale in Papua New Guinea.

Granuloma inguinale has been endemic in Papua New Guinea for at least eighty years and recently appears to be increasing, particularly in the urban centres. Most patients were found to be recent migrants to the Port Moresby area with low socioeconomic status and poor personal hygiene. The disease was found more frequently in males. A possible association between carcinoma of the penis and granuloma inguinale was observed. Lesions were chronic, progressive and located mainly in the genital region. Attempts to culture the causative agent were unsuccessful.