Background: Vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women attending the sexually transmissible infections (STIs) clinic and is a cause for concern and mental distress. It can be attributed to physiological or pathological causes. This study aims to understand the prevalence of various etiologies of vaginal discharge, which would help frame health policies based on local needs. Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence of discharge per vaginum among sexually active women attending the STI clinic at a tertiary care center during a 1-year period, (2) To identify the organisms causing vaginal discharge, (3) To have a clinicoetiological correlation of the cases, and (4) To identify the subspecies of Candida causing vaginal candidiasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 126 patients with vaginal discharge attending the STI clinic at a tertiary care center were included in the study. A detailed clinical history, physical examination of the external genitalia, and vaginal examination were done on each patient. Five swabs were taken from the posterior fornix and lateral vaginal wall for evaluation of the organisms. Results: The mean age of the study population was 31.51 ± 7.9 years. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was found to be the most common cause of vaginal discharge, followed by bacterial vaginosis, mucopurulent cervicitis, herpes genitalis, and trichomoniasis. The most common species of Candida was found to be Candida albicans. Conclusion: Even though VVC still remains the major cause, other viral infections like herpes significantly contribute. Vaginal discharge is an important indicator of women's reproductive health and its detailed evaluation helps identify the prevalence of various STIs in the community.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: The protean mucocutaneous manifestations of HIV and the resultant opportunistic infections are well documented. Genital dermatoses can be either venereal or nonvenereal in origin. As the presence of HIV infection greatly increases the chances of acquiring another sexually transmitted pathogen, these are often presumed to be venereal in origin. Aims: The aims of the study were to record the different morphologies of genital skin lesions in seropositive patients and to classify them as venereal or nonvenereal in origin. Settings and Design: This was an observational study undertaken in seropositive patients with genital skin lesions attending the outpatient department of dermatology at a tertiary health-care center. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and seventy-seven seropositive patients with genital lesions were enrolled. A detailed history was taken; the genital and dermatological examination was performed. Statistical Analysis Used: None. Results: Males predominated the study population with the majority (79.1%) falling into the reproductive age group of 15–49 years. Nonvenereal genital dermatoses (59%) outnumbered sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (41%) out of which the most frequently encountered were dermatophytosis, scabies, and intertrigo. Other entities recorded were inflammatory dermatoses, cutaneous adverse drug reactions, and tumors. The most common STIs were herpes genitalis (55.4%) and anogenital warts (32.5%). Conclusion: This study showed that nonvenereal genital dermatoses are more common than STIs in people living with HIV. Our findings reiterate the fact that genital lesions should be approached with caution as a presumptive and hasty diagnosis of STI adds greatly to the morbidity of the patient in terms of guilt and shame, and adversely affects the quality of life.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Vulvar vestibular papillomatosis (VP) is considered a normal anatomical variant of the vulva. We present a 19-year-old girl with a history of “small itchy growths” on the vulva for 2 months without any associated discharge. These lesions were causing significant anxiety to the patient. Cutaneous examination revealed multiple, uniformly arranged, skin-colored, monomorphic micropapillae on the inner aspect of the labia minora. Biopsy showed mucosal hyperplasia with papillomatosis and loosely arranged subdermal tissue, no koilocytes were spotted. The diagnosis of vulvar VP was made. We want to highlight this clinical entity as most dermatologists are not familiar with this benign condition and easily confuse it with genital warts. This inexperience may result in unnecessary investigations causing psychological discomfort to the patient. We herein present such a case which brings out the diagnostic dilemma.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Pediculosis is an infestation of lice on the human body. Pediculosis pubis is primarily found in the pubic region and is usually transmitted by sexual contact. Diagnosis is done by visualization of mites which can be aided by the use of dermoscope. Hereby, we report a case of an Alport syndrome patient having extensive pubic lice infestation with no sexual history and probable transmission from cattle.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Donovanosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella granulomatosis and is characterized by painless beefy red granulomatous ulcer which bleeds on touch and is mostly confined to the endemic regions of the world. It is rarest among the sexually transmitted genital ulcer diseases. We hereby report a case of donovanosis in a non-endemic area who initially presented with a solitary genital ulcer. Initial tests did not reveal any aetiology. However after four days of admission, since no aetiology was coming forth, a repeat tissue smear from the lesion revealed Donovan bodies which helped in the bedside diagnosis and management of the case.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Antiretroviral drugs are efficacious but are associated with long-term toxicities, drug interactions, and emergence of drug resistance. Objective: To study the incidence and pattern of adverse drug reactions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) (tenofovir, efavirenz, and lamivudine (TEL) which was introduced by NACO in 2013. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center observational study that included 135 treatment-naive HIV patients who were started on fixed drug once-daily regimen (TEL). At baseline, detailed clinical history, body weight, waist–hip ratio, complete blood count, liver and renal function test, CD4 cell count were performed. Clinical monitoring for cutaneous, neuropsychiatric, and gastrointestinal side effects was done every month along with laboratory monitoring and anthropometric measurement for every 6 months. CD4 counts were measured at baseline and end of the study at 12 months. Results: Out of 135 participants, 89 (65.9%) were males and 46 (34%) were females. The mean age and the mean duration of illness at inclusion were 35.10 ± 8.97 years and 1.2 ± 0.6 years, respectively. The mean increase in weight at baseline and at 12 months (57.55 ± 6.56 to 64.04 ± 8.2) was statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.35–8.62, P < 0.001). The mean CD4 counts at baseline were 309.73 ± 118.44 and increased after 12 months of treatment to 421 ± 129.4 which was statistically significant (95% CI: 81.54–140.99, P < 0.001). The mean difference in platelet count was statistically significant between baseline and 12 months (95% CI: 10.32–46.13, P = 0.002). The mean difference in serum urea levels at baseline and at 6 months (95% CI: 0.60–1.61, P < 0.001) as well as 12 months were statistically significant (95% CI: 0.08–1.03, P = 0.02). The mean increase in serum creatinine at baseline (0.75 ± 0.12) and at 12 months (0.97 ± 0.16) was also significant (95% CI: 0.21–0.28, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between mean creatinine clearance at baseline and at 12 months (109.9 ± 13.75 to 99.33 ± 12.52, P < 0.0001). One patient discontinued treatment due to adverse effects while two patients were shifted to second-line antiretroviral treatment. Limitations: Small sample size, single-center study and short follow-up period, long-term toxicities were not appreciated. Conclusion: Fixed drug combination with TEL as a first-line ART for HIV is a safe regime as we observed minimal side effects with current regimen.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

A wide spectrum of hepatobiliary manifestations occur in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients. Among the common causes are the infectious hepatitis, drug-related hepatitis, opportunistic infections, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, HIV cholangiopathy and neoplasm. Auto-immune hepatitis (AIH) is rarely reported in this setting. We present two different presentations of auto immune hepatitis in HIV positive patients. One developed jaundice and ascites as a consequence of liver decompensation and other exhibited cholestatic pattern. Their serology and liver biopsy confirmed autoimmune hepatitis as underlying aetiology. We would like to share the clinical improvement with simultaneous immunosuppressive therapy and combination Anti Retroviral Therapy (cART). There are no documented cases on this issue from the Indian subcontinent that we are aware of.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Bowen's disease also known as bowenoid keratoses, presents as a clinically persistent, progressive red scaly, or crusted plaque which is due to intraepithelial carcinoma and is potentially malignant. Lesions are typically asymptomatic but may be associated with bleeding. We are reporting perianal Bowen's disease in a 30-year-old married HIV-infected male which is excised and underlying healthy ulcer grafted.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and Objectives: Treatment of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV) is monitored using plasma HIV viral load levels and CD4 counts. Patients with either immunological nonresponse (virological suppression achieved) or virological nonresponse (immune reconstitution achieved) are termed as having a discordant response. These patients are at higher risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related infections/diseases/neoplasms, non-AIDS-related illnesses (cardiovascular, neurological, renal, hepatic diseases), and all-cause death. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of immunovirological discordance among PLHIV after completion of at least 1 year of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at an antiretroviral therapy (ART) plus center in India and analyze contributory factors. Methods: The study was a retrospective study of PLHIV receiving cART at the ART plus clinic in Western India from January 18 to December 21. Four hundred and ninety-six patients were studied based on sample size calculated and assessed for CD4 and viral load response at 0, 6, and 12 months of ART. Results: Of the 496 patients, 48 patients (9.7%) had immunovirological discordance. Out of them, 36 patients (75%) had a virological response (immunological nonresponse) and 12 (25%) patients had an immunological response (virological nonresponse). The factors contributing to immunological nonresponse were as follows – low baseline CD4 levels (<100 cells) (36.1%), adherence <95% (33.3%), presence of opportunistic infections (16.6%), and failure on first-line therapy (11.1%). Other factors noted included higher baseline viral load (2.7%), chronic kidney disease (5.5%), and chronic hepatitis B virus co-infection (5.5%). Virological nonresponse was associated with poor adherence to therapy <95% (33%) and failure of first-line regimen (33%). Opportunistic infections were noted among 33% of patients and 8.3% of patients were found to have higher baseline viral load. Interpretation and Conclusion: Immunovirological discordance is an important factor influencing response to cART and is associated with many complications such as AIDS and non-AIDS-related events and even death. Improved adherence and timely identification and management of opportunistic infections are measures that are beneficial in reducing the incidence of immunovirological discordance.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Objectives: Syphilis has been called the great mimicker or the great imitator due to its myriad of clinical presentations. Despite strenuous concerted efforts toward the elimination of syphilis, it still remains a goal to be achieved. During recent years, many different trends of syphilis have been reported from around the globe. Methods: A retrospective observational clinico-investigative study was carried out to analyze the 10-year trends of syphilis at one of the largest public sector hospitals in India. Results and Conclusion: Both venereal disease research laboratory and Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination assay positivity rates showed a significant declining trend from 2007 to 2016, reflecting the success of the National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention and Control Program.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Syphilis remains a global health problem with recent reports of resurgence from various parts of the world. We undertook this study to analyze the current epidemiological and clinical trends of syphilis in our part of the country. Aim and Objectives: To analyze the changing trends in clinical presentation of syphilis and the current status of HIV/AIDS-syphilis co-infection in our area. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based retrospective analysis of records of sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients enrolled in “Suraksha clinic” in the department of Skin and VD at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India. Patient records were analyzed from January 2018 to December 2021. The demographic, clinical, and serological profiles of patients were assessed to study the percentage of syphilis patients attending the STD clinic and their clinical presentations. Results: A total of 7153 patients were enrolled in the”Suraksha clinic” from January 2018 to December 2021, these included the venereal disease patients (3137) and nonvenereal disease patients (4016) who were registered for HIV and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) screening from the dermatology outpatient department. Out of 3137 sexually transmitted infection (STI) patients, 139 patients tested positive for VDRL. Treponema pallidum hemagglutination was found positive in 137 patients and negative in two patients. Hence, 137 patients were confirmed syphilis cases, constituting 4.36% of total STD cases in our STI clinic in 4 years. Out of 137 patients, 2 (1.45%) presented with primary chancre, 6 (4.37%) with lesions of secondary syphilis and 129 (94.16%) were found serologically reactive without any symptoms or clinical signs, i.e., in latent syphilis. Our records also showed 14 (10.21%) cases of HIV and syphilis co-infection. Conclusion: In our study, a remarkable rise in the number of patients in the latent syphilis stage is observed over primary and secondary syphilis stage. This signifies the persistence of syphilis in subclinical phase in the community and unfortunately, it goes unnoticed. These could be “warning signs” for changing disease pattern of syphilis in India and points toward hidden resurgence of syphilis as being reported in various parts of the world. To actively look for these “hidden cases,” there is a need to strengthen “Suraksha clinics.” VDRL testing should be mandatory along with routine testing in all patients visiting the hospital irrespective of their disease. We also propose for the central registration of syphilis patients on lines of HIV-infected patients' registry.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Trichomoniasis remains one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, which is curable. To prevent complications and transmission, prompt and correct diagnosis is essential to treat Trichomonas vaginalis. The present study was done to evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with other conventional techniques for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis infection and determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in women with vaginal discharge based on PCR assay. Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected by the trained health-care professional using FLOQSwabs™ (Copan, Italy) during routine pelvic examinations among 1974 symptomatic females. The wet microscopy, culture, and PCR were performed. Results: The sensitivity of wet mount and culture in comparison to PCR was 60.87% and 56.52%, respectively. The kappa inter-rater agreement of T. vaginalis PCR showed substantial agreement with wet mount microscopy (κ = 0.742) and culture (κ = 0.707). The PCR detected an additional 17 cases that were missed by conventional techniques. Discussion: The study highlights the importance of PCR for T. vaginalis screening among symptomatic females.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Accessing care for sexual health has always been a challenge in our Indian context. The primary reason is a lack of awareness of modes of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), appropriate testing, and treatment options. The second is taboo associated with the morality of the individual. The third is the accessibility and availability of Quality STD care by allopathic specialists in comparison to the demand. This has paved way for lots of myths and misconceptions among the general public regarding STDs and HIV disease. Compounding it is the mushrooming of nonqualified practitioners and healers who claim to cure all STDs and HIV has led to poor treatment outcomes. Several methods of partnership with qualified allopathic practitioners have been tried for the provision of quality STD care by various donor-funded, HIV and STD prevention programs in the country. The key reasons for the nonsustainability of these clinics were the lack of technical capability to handle the sexual health and STD clinical cases and the huge cost involved in the advertisement and maintenance of the clinics. Methodology: Seven clinicians from different geographical locations in Tamil Nadu, who were exclusively qualified in Venereology, conceived the idea of provision of comprehensive clinical care cum counseling and testing services through a networking model from December 01, 2020. The model comprised the following: (1) Dedicated YouTube channel (Nakshatra Health) to provide scientific information on STD and HIV, modes of transmission, clinical symptoms, lab testing, interpretation of results, clinical treatment options, and counseling on prevention, (2) Dedicated telephone helpline was established with WhatsApp to answer the queries of clients by the network venereologists, (3) Dedicated website (www.nakshatra.health) was developed to provide information on STD and HIV and options to clarify doubts and fix appointments online, (4) Clinical consultations were done in a hybrid mode with an option for direct clinic and online consultation. Prescriptions were provided using dedicated software instantly, (5) Networking was done with NABL-accredited labs and collection centers for performing STD and HIV tests with e-test request forms, (6) Networking was done with pharma companies to provide pre- and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) services to clients through e-prescriptions. Cross referrals were made across the network members to facilitate easy access to clinical services by clients from different parts of Tamil Nadu. The entire concept was branded as “Nakshatra health” with a tagline – “Your sparkling solution for safe sexual health care.” Quality STD care and ethical practice were the underlying motos of this concept. Results: During the 20 months (December 2020 to July 2022), 6442 phone calls and 9328 WhatsApp messages were received. 82.3% of the calls and messages were queries from clients related to their sexual exposures, and 16.4% were general information seekers. During this period, the Nakshatra Health YouTube channel had 1590 subscribers and nearly 2.4 lakh views of all its 24 videos. Among the viewers, 92.4% were male. 52.29% of viewers were between the ages of 25 and 34 years, 28.25% were between the ages of 18 and 24 years, and 17.25% viewers were between the ages of 35 and 44 years. 86% of the viewers were from India and 13% were Tamil-speaking viewers from Middle East, Southeast Asian countries and 1% were from European, African, and American countries. The most commonly watched videos were related to HIV symptoms and lab tests for STD and HIV. 16% of the viewers repeatedly watched the various videos in the series. The network laboratories provided testing services for 1082 clients with 2423 various STD/HIV tests. Totally 3328 clients availed of online consultation and 924 clients accessed clinic-based services across the network members. Among these cases, 18 cases of Syphilis (primary and secondary) and 12 cases of acute gonococcal urethritis, and 10 cases of genital warts were diagnosed and treated. 12 cases of phimosis and 4 cases of anal warts were surgically treated in collaboration with a surgeon. Through this initiative, PEP and PreP services were provided to 228 and 8 individuals. Conclusion: Designing a comprehensive sexual health service package is crucial to ensure the availability and ease of access to services to the general public. Provision of correct scientific information, networking and cross-referral of cases with like-minded dermatovenereologists/clinicians interested in venereology sexually transmitted infections, easily accessible clinical, laboratory, and treatment services including PreP and PEP medications, and ethical practice are the key factors for scaling this concept.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Researchers are interested in genital wart (GW) studies due to their increased incidence. In a single experimental research, virally infected mouse models showed elevated kisspeptin levels and low interferon levels. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the serum levels of kisspeptin and interferon (INF)-beta in GW patients. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with GWs and forty healthy participants of comparable age and sex as a control group were included in this case–control study. Serum levels of kisspeptin and IFN-beta were measured using ELISA during the period from December 2021 to April 2022. Results: Kisspeptin was significantly higher among cases than controls, whereas IFN-beta level was lower among cases than controls (P < 0.001). There were no significant relations between kisspeptin and IFN-beta levels and the clinical data for the studied participants, and there was no significant correlation between both (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The reported increased kisspeptin level which was associated with decreased interferon-beta level in patients with GWs might indicate a new insight into viral infection pathogenesis. Further research including all steps in kisspeptin/G protein-coupled receptor 54 pathway is required. Targeted therapy for this pathway may be of value for those patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Gonococcal infection is known for complications, if not treated promptly and adequately. Although Tysonitis and Tyson's abscess are mentioned in textbooks, only few reports are available as complications of gonorrhea. Bilateral Tyson's abscess in acute gonorrhea is a rare entity when compared to other complications of gonorrhea. The patient responded well to treatment. Unless the physician is familiar with this condition, it may be mistaken for periurethral abscess or even as paraphimosis. Hence, this case is reported to alert the physicians.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Syphilis is caused by a spirochete, Treponema pallidum. Diagnosis of syphilis is made with a venereal disease research laboratory test. Treatment of choice is intramuscular injection benzathine Penicillin. The Jarisch‒Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a transient immunological phenomenon that can occur in patients during treatment for syphilis with penicillin. It is a rare phenomenon but can be a potentially severe one. It manifests clinically with short-term constitutional symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and myalgia, besides exacerbation of existing cutaneous lesions. We report the case of a 24-year-old man presenting with JHR posttreatment with benzathine penicillin.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Malignant syphilis (lues maligna) is a rare form of secondary syphilis, first described by Bazin in 1859, frequently associated with HIV infection. The resurgence of syphilis in the recent times has been attributed to rise in HIV infection. Malignant syphilis is characterized by the presence of pleomorphic multiple round-to-oval papules, papulopustules, or nodules with ulceration, without central clearing, and occasionally exhibit a lamellate brown to black rupioid crust with prodromal symptoms. We herein report a case of early malignant syphilis in a young immunocompromised patient who was HIV positive and noncompliant to antiretroviral therapy, from Northeast India. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is rising at an alarming rate in this part of the country which has thus led to an increase in the number of other sexually transmitted infections.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Nonvenereal dermatoses (NVD) are the spectrum of disorders involving the genitalia with varied etiology and having a considerable influence on the health-related quality of life (QOL), but it remains under evaluated. Objective: To study the prevalence, pattern, and the effect of nonvenereal genital dermatoses on the QOL of patients with the help of dermatological life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted for a period of 1 year. A total of 132 patients were included in the study. QOL was assessed by using the DLQI questionnaire. Results: The prevalence was found to be 10.2/1000 cases in our study. Genital scabies (34.8%) was the common dermatoses followed by vitiligo (18.9%) and lichen simplex chronicus (8.3%). These dermatoses were having moderate effect on the DLQI of majority (52.3%) of the patients and its having very large effect on DLQI in 20.5% of patients. Mean DLQI scores were high among the age group of 41–70 years, male sex and in patients who had <1 month duration of the dermatoses. Regarding individual dermatoses, infestation (scabies) was having higher mean DLQI scores and it was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study depicts that NVD are having impact on the QOL and its mainly attributed to the site of dermatoses and also due to the symptoms. Proper counseling about the nature of these disorders and prompt treatment were important, thereby improving the QOL of such patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced the HIV/AIDS associated morbidity and mortality significantly. But 25% of all patients discontinue treatment because of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDR) are very common with ART regimens, which may range from mild pruritus, maculopapular rash to serious Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). ACDRs comprise 10%–30% of all reported ADRs. Aims and Objectives: To assess the different types of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in immunocompromised children of less than 18years. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective record-based study, conducted at department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College (GMC)/Government General Hospital (GGH), Suryapet, Telangana, India. Data was collected from the records available at ART centre, from November 2018 to October 2021 GGH, Suryapet. All the HIV infected children ≤18 years who were on ART, were included in this study. Patients of more than 18 years and on other medications were excluded. Demographic data, socio economic status, vaccination status, height, weight, complete blood analysis, complete urine analysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver and renal function tests and CD4 counts were recorded before initiation of ART. Results: A total of 330 children of less than 18 years were initiated for ART, at ART centre, Government General Hospital, Suraypet. Out of 330 children, 27.8% (92) children developed ACDRs. 58.7% (54) were males and 41.3% (38) were females. Maculopapular rash was seen in 65.2% (60) cases, urticaria was seen in 15.3% (14) cases, Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was seen in 9.8% (9) cases, SJS/TEN overlap was seen in 6.5% (6) cases and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) was seen in 3.2% (3) case. CD4 count was below 300 in 65.3% (60) cases above 300 in 34.7% (32) cases. Gap between initiation of the treatment and onset of reaction was less than one month in 65.3% (60) cases, and more than one month in 34.7% (32) cases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) affects the immune system of the body, causing a breakdown in its normal defenses and leaving it vulnerable to a host of life-threatening diseases. High-risk behaviors and routes of transmission for sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are identical with HIV. This study was conducted to assess the proportion of syphilis and hepatitis B and C virus infections in HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals, and their association with socioeconomic and other factors in Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) attendees, and to determine the association of absolute CD4+ T-lymphocyte count with these co-infections in HIV-positive individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital. It included 100 HIV-positive individuals and 100 matched HIV-negative controls attending the ICTC. HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy and patients with history of current/past treatment for chronic hepatitis infection were excluded from the study. Blood samples were tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C infections. Results: The prevalence of syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C was observed in 3.5%, 2%, and 10% of patients, respectively. The frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals was 1% and 3%, respectively. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients was 16% and 4%, respectively. Syphilis was seen in 7% of the HIV-infected patients. The mean CD4+ count for the HIV-positive patients with either syphilis, HBV, or HCV infections was 252 ± 137.5 cells/μl. Significant associations between HIV infection and education below high school, IV drug abuse, and multiple sexual partners were observed. Conclusions: The HIV-infected patients were observed to be at an increased risk of acquiring syphilis and HCV co-infections through the shared routes of transmission. Routine screening of these patients for concurrent syphilis and viral hepatitis may aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment with improved outcomes, which in turn may decrease the further spread of these infections.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, chronic, ulcerative, neutrophilic, and inflammatory skin disease. It most commonly affects the lower limb, may affect peristomal skin, and rarely involves mucosal and internal sites. Genital involvement has been rarely reported. Hereby, we report a case of penile PG in a 70-year-old male treated with oral steroids.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Self inflicted genital ulcer due to penile constriction injury is a rare clinical entity, which requires urgent management to prevent its devastating outcomes such as penile gangrene and auto amputation. Although this is common, definitely, it is of interest because of the genital involvement. Here, we present a case report on an unusual case of rubber band induced penile constriction injury.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]