clinical features

Last reviewed 06/2023

The incubation period is from two to seven days, after which the disease may be manifested in a variety ways:

  • ulceroglandular form:
    • this is the commonest manifestation of the disease
    • a papule forms at the site of entry of the infection
    • the papule ulcerates and the patient develops a suppurative, tender lymphadenopathy
    • if the site of inoculation is the eye then the patient develops a purulent conjunctivitis and periauricular lymphadenopathy

  • pneumonic form:
    • presentation is with cough and chest pain
    • the patient develops a pneumonia
    • occasionally there is a pericarditis

  • septicaemic form:
    • presentation is with an acute fever of sudden onset, headache, myalgia and shock