Donovanosis Testing

Donovanosis is diagnosed by taking a sample from an active sore or ulcer. A clinician will examine the affected area and collect a swab, tissue scrape, or small biopsy for laboratory testing.

Because donovanosis is rare in the UK, your clinician will also discuss your symptoms, medical history, and recent travel. Testing for other conditions with similar symptoms, such as syphilis or herpes, may also be recommended.

Preparing for a donovanosis test is simple.

• Avoid applying creams, ointments, lotions, or powders to the affected area for 24 hours before your appointment.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to make the examination easier.
• Be prepared to discuss your symptoms and any recent travel history.

There is no need to fast or make any dietary changes before the test.

Donovanosis testing is most accurate once an active sore or ulcer has developed, as the sample is taken directly from the lesion.

Symptoms usually appear between one and twelve weeks after exposure but can take up to six months in some cases. If you develop persistent genital sores or ulcers, seek assessment as soon as possible.

Donovanosis testing looks for Klebsiella granulomatis, the bacteria that causes the infection.

A laboratory may identify the bacteria by:

• Examining a tissue sample under a microscope for characteristic Donovan bodies.
• Using PCR testing to detect the bacteria's DNA.

PCR is highly sensitive and can identify even small amounts of bacterial genetic material.

Donovanosis testing is highly accurate when a sample is taken from an active lesion. No test is 100% accurate, and results should always be interpreted alongside the clinical assessment.

Microscopic examination can confirm the diagnosis by identifying Donovan bodies, while PCR testing is highly sensitive and detects the bacteria's DNA. The most appropriate method will depend on your symptoms and the sample collected.

You should get tested if you develop painless genital or anal sores or ulcers, especially after travelling to regions where donovanosis is more common.

Testing should be performed as soon as symptoms appear, as early diagnosis and treatment help prevent the infection from progressing and reduce the risk of scarring.

Yes. A physical examination is usually required because donovanosis is diagnosed by assessing and sampling an active sore or ulcer.

The examination helps determine the most appropriate test and ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your privacy and comfort will be respected throughout the appointment.

Yes. The type of test depends on your symptoms and the appearance of the lesion.

Common testing methods include:

• A tissue scrape or biopsy examined under a microscope for Donovan bodies.
• A PCR test to detect the bacteria's DNA.
• A small biopsy if further assessment is needed.

Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate test based on your individual presentation.

You can receive your test results by either text or email.

The results will be either NOT Detected (i.e. negative) or DETECTED (i.e. positive).

A negative result should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment, particularly if lesions are healing or the sample was limited.

In some cases, the test may come back as equivocal which means that it was not possible to gain a conclusive result from the sample given. If this happens, we will request another sample free of charge.

Yes. Avoid vaginal, anal, and oral sex until your results are available and you have been advised on any necessary treatment.

If you have active sores or ulcers, keep the area clean and avoid sharing sex toys. If your result is positive, you should continue to avoid sexual contact until you have completed treatment and the lesions have fully healed.

Donovanosis is treatable with antibiotics. Treatment usually continues for at least three weeks or until all sores have completely healed.

It is important to:

• Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.
• Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and the infection has resolved.
• Inform recent sexual partners so they can be assessed and treated where appropriate.

Your clinician may also arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

It is strongly recommended that you inform any recent sexual partners so they can be assessed and treated where appropriate. This helps prevent further transmission and reduces the risk of reinfection.

If you are uncomfortable telling a partner yourself, anonymous partner notification services may be available.

Yes. We can provide an official certificate of your test results if required for purposes such as travel or employment.

To issue the certificate, we will need to verify your identity using a valid passport or driving licence. The certificate can then be sent securely by email.