UPSC-CMS 2013 — Microbiology

Question 1: Donovan bodies are associated with :

• A. Gonorrhoea
• B. Granuloma inguinale (Correct Answer)
• C. Chlamydia trachomatis infection
• D. Herpes genitalis

Explanation: ***Granuloma inguinale*** - **Donovan bodies** are characteristic intracellular inclusions found within macrophages in tissue samples from patients with **granuloma inguinale**, also known as **donovanosis**. - These bodies are the causative organism, *Klebsiella granulomatis*, encapsulated within phagosomes, and appear as safety pin-shaped structures. *Gonorrhoea* - This sexually transmitted infection is caused by **Neisseria gonorrhoeae**, a Gram-negative diplococcus. - Diagnosis is typically based on identifying the organism in smears or cultures, not by Donovan bodies. *Chlamydia trachomatis infection* - **Chlamydia trachomatis** is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes various infections, including cervicitis, urethritis, and lymphogranuloma venereum. - While it causes inclusion bodies within host cells, these are distinct from Donovan bodies and are known as **chlamydial inclusion bodies**. *Herpes genitalis* - This is a viral infection caused by the **herpes simplex virus (HSV)** type 1 or 2. - Diagnosis involves viral culture, PCR, or the identification of **Tzanck cells** (multinucleated giant cells) in vesicular fluid, not Donovan bodies.