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Syphilis
Kinds of Syphilis Terms modified by Syphilis Selected AbstractsTrancranial Doppler Monitoring of Response to Therapy for Meningovascular SyphilisJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 1 2003Roger E. Kelley MD ABSTRACT Meningovascular syphilis is now quite uncommon, but there have been increasing reports in patients immunocompromised with human immunodeficiency virus. The response of syphilis affecting the central nervous system to antibiotic therapy remains a challenge. This is an even greater challenge in patients who have underlying compromise of the immune system. The authors present a 46-year-old male with recurrent stroke who was found to have cerebrospinal fluid compatible with syphilitic involvement of the central nervous system and a cerebral arteriogram, which revealed focal narrowing of the right middle cerebral artery. The baseline transcranial Doppler study demonstrated increased mean and peak flow velocity within the right middle cerebral artery. Despite a 10-day course of intravenous penicillin, with substantial improvement in the cerebrospinal fluid results, this flow velocity elevation persisted, in a remarkably consistent pattern, over a 4-month follow-up period. Thus, the involved vessel remained patent following treatment, but no clear resolution of the stenotic lesion was observed. [source] Syphilis: An old enemy still lurksJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 2 2006Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner, L. A. Ferguson MSN Abstract Purpose: To review the problem of increasing cases of syphilis as a communicable disease and to review different presentations of syphilis and to discuss treatment guidelines. Data sources: Extensive review of worldwide scientific literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis. Conclusions: Syphilis is an infectious sexually transmitted disease, which may have devastating consequences. Previously declining rates have led to complacency in prevention and diagnosis. Primary prevention includes education regarding safer sexual practices. Secondary prevention includes early identification via screening and treatment. Implications for practice: Syphilis is a contagious disease that has devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated. Providers should keep ever vigilant in its identification. Specifically, it should be considered when evaluating all symptom-less dermatological lesions. [source] Dermo quiz: the illness and death of Anna Maria Lodovica de' Medici, Palatine Electress (1667,1743)DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2010L. Cataliotti ABSTRACT According to the unpublished documents, preserved in the Archives, the authors provide a possible explanation of the disease of the Anna Maria Lodovica de' Medici, the last descendent of the famous Florentine dynasty, suggesting that she could not have suffered from breast cancer, as it was claimed, but that she could have contracted syphilis. The opportunity to exhume her corpse in the frame of the Medici Project will supply evidence for this interpretation. [source] Friedrich Nietzsche's mental illness , general paralysis of the insane vs. frontotemporal dementiaACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2006M. Orth Objective:, For a long time it was thought that Nietzsche suffered from general paralysis of the insane (GPI). However, this diagnosis has been questioned recently, and alternative diagnoses have been proposed. Method:, We have charted Friedrich Nietzsche's final fatal illness, and viewed the differential diagnosis in the light of recent neurological understandings of dementia syndromes. Results:, It is unclear that Nietzsche ever had syphilis. He lacked progressive motor and other neurological features of a progressive syphilitic central nervous system (CNS) infection and lived at least 12 years following the onset of his CNS signs, which would be extremely rare for patients with untreated GPI. Finally, his flourish of productivity in 1888 would be quite uncharacteristic of GPI, but in keeping with reports of burgeoning creativity at some point in the progression of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Conclusion:, We suggest that Nietzsche did not have GPI, but died from a chronic dementia, namely FTD. [source] Drug-related behaviors independently associated with syphilis infection among female sex workers in two Mexico,US border citiesADDICTION, Issue 8 2010Oralia Loza ABSTRACT Aims To identify correlates of active syphilis infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Design Cross-sectional analyses of baseline interview data. Correlates of active syphilis (antibody titers >1 : 8) were identified by logistic regression. Setting Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, two Mexican cities on the US border that are situated on major drug trafficking routes and where prostitution is quasi-legal. Participants A total of 914 FSWs aged ,18 years without known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who had had recent unprotected sex with clients. Measurements Baseline interviews and testing for syphilis antibody using Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests. Findings Median age and duration in sex work were 32 and 4 years, respectively. Overall, 18.0% had ever injected drugs, 14.2% often or always used illegal drugs before or during sex in the past month, 31.4% had clients in the last 6 months who injected drugs, and 68.6% reported having clients from the United States. Prevalence of HIV and active syphilis were 5.9% and 10.3%, respectively. Factors independently associated with active syphilis included injecting drugs (AOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.40, 4.08), using illegal drugs before or during sex (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.65) and having any US clients (AOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.43, 5.70). Conclusions Among female sex workers in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, drug-using behaviors were associated more closely with active syphilis than were sexual behaviors, suggesting the possibility of parenteral transmission of T. pallidum. Syphilis eradication programs should consider distributing sterile syringes to drug injectors and assisting FSWs with safer-sex negotiation in the context of drug use. [source] Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis among injecting drug users in Russia: a multi-city studyADDICTION, Issue 2 2006Tim Rhodes ABSTRACT Objectives To estimate the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Russia. Methods Unlinked anonymous cross-sectional survey of 1473 IDUs recruited from non-treatment settings in Moscow, Volgograd and Barnaul (Siberia), with oral fluid sample collection for HIV, HCV antibody (anti-HIV, anti-HCV) and syphilis testing. Results Prevalence of antibody to HIV was 14% in Moscow, 3% in Volgograd and 9% in Barnaul. HCV prevalence was 67% in Moscow, 70% in Volgograd and 54% in Barnaul. Prevalence of positive syphilis serology was 8% in Moscow, 20% in Volgograd and 6% in Barnaul. Half of those HIV positive and a third of those HCV positive were unaware of their positive status. Common risk factors associated with HIV and HCV infection across the cities included both direct and indirect sharing of injecting equipment and injection of home-produced drugs. Among environmental risk factors, we found increased odds of anti-HIV associated with being in prison in Moscow, and some association between official registration as a drug user and anti-HIV and anti-HCV. No associations were found between sexual risk behaviours and anti-HIV in any city. Conclusions HIV prevalence among IDUs was markedly higher than city routine surveillance data suggests and at potentially critical levels in terms of HIV prevention in two cities. HCV prevalence was high in all cities. Syphilis prevalence highlights the potential for sexual risk and sexual HIV transmission. Despite large-scale testing programmes, knowledge of positive status was poor. The scaling-up of harm reduction for IDUs in Russia, including sexual risk reduction, is an urgent priority. [source] Acute hepatitis C in HIV-infected men who have sex with menHIV MEDICINE, Issue 4 2004J Ghosn Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually transmitted via the parenteral route, but there are widely discrepant findings on its possible sexual transmission. Thus there are no recommendations concerning protected sex for couples in which only one partner is HCV-infected. Whether HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases could favour HCV transmission remains unclear, but recent data suggesting an increasing incidence of acute HCV in HIV-infected men underline the major public health implications of this issue. Case reports Between June 2002 and July 2003, five HIV-infected homosexually active men presented with primary (n=4) and secondary (n=1) syphilis and concomitant abnormal liver function tests revealing acute asymptomatic HCV seroconversion. Other causes of acute viral hepatitis were inquired into and excluded. Highly at-risk sexual behaviour, including unprotected anal intercourse and unsafe oral sex, with concomitant syphilis, was found to be the only identifiable important risk factor for transmission of HCV. Conclusions Sexual transmission may be fuelling a significant increase in HCV seroconversions among HIV-infected men who have highly risky sexual behaviours. Given the recent data suggesting the spread of sexually transmitted infections among HIV-infected gay men, specific recommendations concerning safe sex are urgently needed. [source] Malignant syphilis and neurolues in an HIV infected patientINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Luciana Weis MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Multiple condylomata lata: a case reportINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Haikang Hua MD An unusual form of secondary syphilis was reported, characterized by multiple papules involving the intertriginous areas. The skin biopsy was performed but was nondiagnostic. Later on, serologic tests confirmed the diagnosis. This patient is presented to emphasize the importance of considering syphilis in any patient with an at-risk sexual history and popular verrucous lesions of the skin folds. [source] Two Japanese cases of lichen planus pigmentosus-inversusINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Aki Kashima MD Case 1 was a 51-year-old Japanese woman. She presented with an asymptomatic brown macule located on the right axilla of 2 months' duration. The smooth macule was 2 cm in diameter with a sharp demarcation (Fig. 1A). Figure 1. Photographs of skin lesions in two patients. (A) Case 1. Well-circumscribed brown macule without an active red border in the central portion of the right axilla. (B) Case 2. Symmetric distribution of brown macules without an active red border in the popliteal fossae Case 2 was a 62-year-old Japanese man. He presented with asymptomatic, symmetric, gray,brown macules located on the groin, axillae, and popliteal region of 6 months' duration. The smooth macules were several millimeters to centimeters in diameter and sharply demarcated (Fig. 1B). Oral or nail lesions, previous inflammatory processes in affected areas, and internal malignancies were absent. A causal relationship with drugs, recent sun exposure, or trauma could not be identified. Findings for work-up, including blood cell count, fasting blood sugar levels, liver function, serum electrolyte levels, serum electrophoresis, urinalysis, antinuclear antibodies, and serological examinations for human hepatitis viruses and syphilis, were within normal limits or negative. The lesions gradually disappeared without medication within 6 months. Biopsy specimens showed a lymphocytic infiltrate with basal vacuolar changes and prominent melanin incontinence in the upper dermis (Fig. 2A). The band-like lymphocytic infiltrate was moderate in Case 1 and mild in Case 2. Immunohistochemistry showed infiltrative CD8+ T lymphocytes with keratinocytic damage, indicating cytotoxic injury of the keratinocytes (Fig. 2B). Both the epidermis and the upper dermis contained CD1a+ cells (Fig. 2C). The keratinocytes focally and weakly expressed HLA-DR (Fig. 2D). These findings were identical in samples from both patients. Figure 2. Light and immunohistochemical microphotographs. (A) Mild, band-like, lymphocytic infiltrate with basal vacuolar change and prominent melanin incontinence in the upper dermis with apoptosis or necrosis of keratinocytes. (B) Epidermal infiltrate of CD8+ T lymphocytes with keratinocytic damage. (C) CD1a+ cells in the upper dermis. (D) Keratinocytes focally and weakly express HLA-DR (original magnifications: A, ×200; B,D, ×400) [source] Immunoperoxidase technique for detecting spirochetes in tissue sections: comparison with other methodsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2000Robert George Phelps MD Background With the increasing incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and immunosuppressive therapy, the incidence of syphilis has been increasing. Given the fact that the above conditions may mask or obscure the usual clinical signs and symptoms of syphilis, a means of enhanced detection is essential. Aims,methods The purpose of this study was to determine whether an immunoperoxidase method using an antibody against treponemes would increase the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis in biopsies of patients with secondary syphilis. This was compared to serology and silver stain in cases of known syphilis. Results Immunoperoxidase for treponemes was at least as sensitive (9/10) as pathology (9/10), and more sensitive than conventional silver stain (6/10) or serology (7/10). Conclusions In those equivocal cases of secondary syphilis, where confirmation is essential, immunoperoxidase for treponemes may be a useful adjunct. [source] A pre-Columbian case of congenital syphilis from Anatolia (Nicaea, 13th century AD)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Y. S. ErdalArticle first published online: 16 AUG 200 Abstract In this study, the skeleton of an approximately 15-year-old child, dating back to the Late Byzantine period (13th century AD) is examined with the aim of determining where this specimen fits in the continuing arguments on the origins of syphilis. It was unearthed during an excavation at an amphitheatre in Nicaea dating to the Roman period. The Nicaea specimen displays common symptoms found in the majority of people with congenital syphilis such as Hutchinson's incisor, mulberry molar, darkened enamel, radial scar on frontal bone, sabre tibia, syphilitic dactylitis, and gummatous and non-gummatous osteomyelitis on almost every post-cranial bone. Because of the sub-periosteal new bone formation, the medullary spaces in some long bones are narrowed or completely obliterated. These lesions, which were observed via macroscopic and radiological examination, reflect the late stages of congenital syphilis. The specimen, when examined together with increasing numbers of other finds from the Old World, contributes to the argument that venereal syphilis did exist in the Old World before 1493, and brings forward the need to revise the Columbian hypothesis, which maintains that syphilis is a new disease carried to the Old World from the New World by Columbus' crew. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] ,Lues maligna" bei insulinpflichtigem Diabetes mellitusJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 10 2005"Lues maligna" in a female patient with diabetes Zusammenfassung Bei einer 40-jährige Patientin mit insulinpflichtigem Diabetes mellitus traten innerhalb weniger Wochen vor allem am Stamm multiple bis 2,5,cm große, lividrote Knoten und Plaques auf, die rasch ulzerierten. Einige Monate zuvor habe beim Partner ein kleines Ulkus am Penis bestanden. Die HIV-negative Patientin hatte eine hochtitrig positive Syphilisserologie (TPPA-Titer >,1 : 20.480, VDRL-Titer 1 : 128). Die nüchtern Blutglukosewerte lagen über 275,mg/dl. Nach Ausschluss einer Neurolues stellten wir die Diagnose einer ,Lues maligna" bei schlecht eingestelltem Diabetes mellitus. Unter einer Therapie mit 3,Injektionen Benzylpenicillin-Benzathin (2,4,Mio.,IE) i. m. in wöchentlichen Abständen und Einstellung des Diabetes heilten die Hautveränderungen komplett ab. Im Verlauf war der VDRL-Titer negativ. Die ,Lues maligna" tritt seit einigen Jahren wieder gehäuft auf und wird vor allem bei HIV-positiven Männern beobachtet. Das Auftreten dieser Erkrankung bei durch Diabetes mellitus bedingter Immunsuppression ist ausgesprochen selten. Summary A 40-year-old female patient with diabetes mellitus presented with multiple erythematous ulcerated nodules and plaques predominantly on the trunk. A few months ago her partner had a small ulcer on the penis. She was HIV negative but showed markedly elevated syphilis serology titers (TPPA titer >,1 : 20.480, VDRL titer 1 : 128). The serum glucose levels exceeded 275,mg/dl. After exclusion of neurological involvement, we made the diagnosis of ,lues maligna" arising in the setting of diabetes mellitus. The patient was treated with 2.4 million units benzathine penicillin intramuscularly weekly for three weeks. Simultaneously, diabetes therapy was improved with insulin injections. The syphilitic lesions cleared rapidly. In the follow-up VDRL titer was negative. ,Lues maligna" is an unusual ulcerative variant of secondary syphilis which has been observed more frequently in HIV-infected patients in the last years. The occurrence of this aggressive variant in the clinical setting of diabetes mellitus is extremely rare. [source] Secondary Syphilis Presenting as Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in an HIV-Positive PatientJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005A. Laungani We present the case of an HIV-positive 38-year-old Caucasian male with a history of fevers, chills, and disseminated nonpruritic erythematous papules that began on his abdomen. An initial skin biopsy revealed a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate at the dermoepidermal junction, exocytosis of atypical lymphocytes, and minimal spongiosis. Immunohistochemistry showed increased CD8-positive cells but only scattered CD30-positive cells. PCR analysis demonstrated T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. RPR, blood and tissue cultures were all negative. The patient was thought to have a cytotoxic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Over time, the lesions progressed to the palms and soles and the patient remained febrile. Repeat biopsy demonstrated a lichenoid interface dermatitis with a superficial and deep perivascular, interstitial, and periadnexal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and the formation of epithelioid granulomas throughout the dermis. The epidermis showed blurring of the dermoepidermal junction, spongiosis, and exocytosis of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Few spirochetes were demonstrated by Steiner stain. Repeat RPR and FTA-Abs serologies were positive. The patient was diagnosed with late secondary syphilis and was successfully treated with benzathine penicillin. This case demonstrates that atypical lymphoid infiltrates can simulate mycosis fungoides in an HIV-positive patient with secondary syphilis and also reiterates that syphilis is a great mimicker of other entities. [source] Trancranial Doppler Monitoring of Response to Therapy for Meningovascular SyphilisJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 1 2003Roger E. Kelley MD ABSTRACT Meningovascular syphilis is now quite uncommon, but there have been increasing reports in patients immunocompromised with human immunodeficiency virus. The response of syphilis affecting the central nervous system to antibiotic therapy remains a challenge. This is an even greater challenge in patients who have underlying compromise of the immune system. The authors present a 46-year-old male with recurrent stroke who was found to have cerebrospinal fluid compatible with syphilitic involvement of the central nervous system and a cerebral arteriogram, which revealed focal narrowing of the right middle cerebral artery. The baseline transcranial Doppler study demonstrated increased mean and peak flow velocity within the right middle cerebral artery. Despite a 10-day course of intravenous penicillin, with substantial improvement in the cerebrospinal fluid results, this flow velocity elevation persisted, in a remarkably consistent pattern, over a 4-month follow-up period. Thus, the involved vessel remained patent following treatment, but no clear resolution of the stenotic lesion was observed. [source] Syphilis: An old enemy still lurksJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 2 2006Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner, L. A. Ferguson MSN Abstract Purpose: To review the problem of increasing cases of syphilis as a communicable disease and to review different presentations of syphilis and to discuss treatment guidelines. Data sources: Extensive review of worldwide scientific literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis. Conclusions: Syphilis is an infectious sexually transmitted disease, which may have devastating consequences. Previously declining rates have led to complacency in prevention and diagnosis. Primary prevention includes education regarding safer sexual practices. Secondary prevention includes early identification via screening and treatment. Implications for practice: Syphilis is a contagious disease that has devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated. Providers should keep ever vigilant in its identification. Specifically, it should be considered when evaluating all symptom-less dermatological lesions. [source] Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis in East European countriesJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 6 2009E Sokolovskiy Abstract The present guidelines aim to provide comprehensive and precise information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis in East European countries. These recommendations contain important information for laboratory staff working with STIs and/or STI-related issues. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country. Conflicts of interest None declared. [source] The Greek moulages: a picture of skin diseases in former timesJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 4 2007A-M Worm Abstract Medical moulages are three-dimensional wax figures made for teaching in the beginning of the last century. A rather unknown hospital museum in Athens, Greece, stores 1660 moulages depicting skin and venereal diseases prevalent at that time such as syphilis, lepra and tuberculosis. The historical background behind the Greek moulages and the art of moulaging are described. [source] Sexually Transmitted Diseases Diagnosed Among Travelers Returning from the TropicsJOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Séverine Ansart MD Objectives Data are lacking on the spectrum of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) diagnosed in returning travelers. Study Design All consecutive travelers consulting our tropical unit between November 1, 2002 and October 31, 2003 were included if they presented within 1 month after their return from the tropics, with mucocutaneous signs suggesting STDs. Results Forty-nine patients (12 women and 37 men; median age 36.4 y, 35 heterosexuals) were included. Four patients had traveled with their usual sexual partner and 45 patients had casual sex while abroad (31 with locals and 14 with other tourists). The main diagnoses were gonococcal urethritis (n = 18), herpes simplex virus 2 infection (n = 12), urethritis of undetermined origin (n = 9), Chlamydia trachomatis infection (n = 4), primary syphilis (n = 4), and primary human immunodeficiency virus infection (n = 2). Conclusions These results illustrate the broad spectrum of STDs contracted by travelers to the tropics. They suggest the need to also inform travelers of the risks of STD and to promote the use of condoms in case of casual sex while abroad. [source] Giving Birth to Gonolia: "Culture" and Sexually Transmitted Disease among the Huli of Papua New GuineaMEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY QUARTERLY, Issue 2 2002Holly Wardlow The "culture concept" has been challenged on a number of fronts, both by medical anthropologists researching AIDS and in the discipline of cultural anthropology more generally. Medical anthropologists have argued against the "etiologization" of culture, and cultural anthropologists have taken issue with the tendency to treat beliefs and practices as static and seamlessly shared. Using the narrative of one Huli woman's shifting explanation of a diagnosis of syphilis, this article argues that, rather than avoid the notion of culture, we should strive for representations that demonstrate how individuals use discourses in expedient, ad hoc, and yet deeply felt ways. This article also argues for the importance of a sociology of knowledge approach to understanding local notions of etiology. The woman's understanding of her situation was strongly influenced by her entry into a new "community" of women who had similarly been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. [Papua New Guinea, sexually transmitted disease, gender, etiology] [source] Oral fungal and bacterial infections in HIV-infected individuals: an overview in AfricaORAL DISEASES, Issue 2002TA Hodgson Oral opportunistic infections developing secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been reported from the early days of the epidemic and have been classified by both the EC-Clearinghouse and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Among the fungal infections, oral candidiasis, presenting in African HIV-infected patients has been sporadically documented. We review the literature with respect to candidal carriage, oral candidiasis prevalence and the predictive value of oral candidiasis for a diagnosis of underlying HIV disease in African HIV-infected patients. The use of oral candidiasis as a marker of disease progression, the species of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity in Africa and the resistance of the yeasts to antifungal agents and treatment regimens are discussed. Orofacial lesions as manifestations of the systemic mycoses are rarely seen in isolation and few cases are reported in the literature from Africa. In spite of the high incidence of noma, tuberculosis, chronic osteomyelitis and syphilis in Africa, surprisingly there have been very few reported cases of the oral manifestations of these diseases in HIV-positive individuals. Orofacial disease in HIV-infected patients is associated with marked morbidity, which is compounded by malnutrition. The authors indicate specific research areas, initially directed at the most effective management strategies, which would complete data in this important area. [source] Atypical features of congenital syphilis in an HIV-exposed uninfected neonatePEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2010Ronald Van Toorn No abstract is available for this article. [source] The Estimated Direct Medical Cost of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among American Youth, 2000PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, Issue 1 2004Harrell W. Chesson CONTEXT: Each year, millions of U.S. youth acquire sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Estimates of the economic burden of STDs can help to quantify the impact of STDs on the nation's youth and on the payers of the cost of their medical care. METHODS: We synthesized the existing literature on STD costs to estimate the lifetime medical cost per case of eight major STDs,HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes simplex virus type 2, hepatitis B, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis. We then estimated the total burden of disease by multiplying these cost-per-case estimates by the approximate number of new cases of STDs acquired by youth aged 15,24. RESULTS: The total estimated burden of the nine million new cases of these STDs that occurred among 15,24-yearolds in 2000 was $6.5 billion (in year 2000 dollars). Viral STDs accounted for 94% of the total burden ($6.2 billion), and nonviral STDs accounted for 6% of the total burden ($0.4 billion). HIV and HPV were by far the most costly STDs in terms of total estimated direct medical costs, accounting for 90% of the total burden ($5.9 billion). CONCLUSIONS: The large number of infections acquired by persons aged 15,24 and the high cost per case of viral STDs, particularly HIV, create a substantial economic burden. [source] HIV and sexually transmitted disease risk among male Hispanic/Latino migrant farmworkers in the Southeast: Findings from a pilot CBPR studyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010Scott D. Rhodes PhD Abstract Background Little is known about the HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk behaviors of Hispanic/Latino farmworkers. This study was designed to describe risk factors for HIV and STD infection, explore personal characteristics associated with condom use, and evaluate the feasibility of collecting self-report and biomarker data from farmworkers. Methods Self-report and biomarker data were collected from a sample of male farmworkers living in 29 camps in North Carolina during the 2008 growing season. Results Over half of the 100 male workers, mean age 37.1 (range 19,68) years, reported binge drinking during the past 12 months. Forty percent of those who reported having had sex during the past 3 months indicated that they were under the influence of alcohol. Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission and prevention was low. Among the 25 workers who reported having had sex during the past 3 months, 16 and 2 reported using a condom consistently during vaginal and anal sex, respectively, and nearly 1 out of 6 workers reported paying a woman to have sex. Two workers tested positive for syphilis. Conclusions Farmworkers in this sample demonstrated significant HIV and STD risks; however, when exploring potential bivariate associations with consistent condom use no statistically significant associations were identified perhaps due to the small sample size. Because it was feasible to collect self-report and biomarker data related to HIV and STDs from Hispanic/Latino farmworkers, research needed to further explore risks and develop interventions to reduce disease exposure and transmission among this vulnerable population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:976,983, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluation of antipyretic activity of Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae) in experimental animalsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005H. R. Chitme Abstract The roots of Calotropis gigantea have been used in leprosy, eczema, syphilis, elephantiasis, ulceration and cough in the Indian system of traditional medicine. The present communication evaluated its antipyretic activity by using yeast-induced and TAB (Typhoid) vaccine-induced pyrexia in rats and rabbits. In both yeast-induced and TAB vaccine-induced fever, the fever was significantly reduced and the body temperature was normalized by administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg dose intraperitoneally. Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that the extract of C. gigantea has potential antipyretic activity against both yeast-induced and TAB vaccine-induced fever, indicating the possibility of developing C. gigantea as a cheaper and potent antipyretic agent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Early congenital syphilis presented with exclusive bending pain of extremity: Case reportTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Pingshen FAN No abstract is available for this article. [source] Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Preterm Delivery in MalawiAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Elizabeth T. Abrams Problem:, We examined risk factors and mechanisms of preterm delivery (PTD) in malaria-exposed pregnant women in Blantyre, Malawi. Method of study:, The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, syphilis, and anemia were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 572 pregnant women. In a nested case,control study, chorioamnionitis (CAM) was examined; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- ,, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1,, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, transforming growth factor (TGF)- ,, cortisol, and corticotropin-releasing hormone were measured in placental, maternal and/or cord blood. Results:, HIV, infrequent antenatal clinic attendance, low-maternal weight, no intermittent preventive malaria therapy (IPT), and CAM were associated with PTD, while malaria was not. Of the 18 compartmental cytokine measurements, elevations in placental and/or cord IL-6 and IL-8 were associated with both CAM and PTD. In contrast, there was no overlap between the cytokines affected by malaria and those associated with PTD. Conclusions:, The HIV and CAM were the major infections associated with PTD in this study. CAM, but not malaria, causes PTD via its effect on proinflammatory cytokines. [source] We keep forgetting maternal and congenital syphilisAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Ian S. C. Jones No abstract is available for this article. [source] Antenatal screening practice for infectious diseases by general practitioners in AustraliaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Michelle L. GILES Introduction:, This study aimed to assess self-reported screening practice in the antenatal setting, factors associated with screening, barriers to universal testing for HIV and follow-up for infants born to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected women. Methods:, A total of 3100 general practitioners (GPs) were mailed the survey. The half from Victoria was randomised to receive their questionnaire by registered post or regular post. All GPs from New South Wales (NSW) received their questionnaire via regular post. Results:, The overall response rate was 70%. Registered post resulted in a higher cumulative response rate compared with regular post (86% vs. 67%P < 0.001). Greater than 90% of respondents always screened for syphilis, rubella and hepatitis B virus. Testing for HIV and HCV approached 66% in NSW. In Victoria more respondents always screen for HCV (72%) compared with HIV-1 (64%). Respondents from NSW were less likely to screen for toxoplasmosis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.64 (0.43, 0.94) P = 0.02) or HCV (AOR 0.75 (0.61, 0.92) P = 0.005) compared with Victoria. Older respondents were more likely to screen for toxoplasmosis (AOR 1.54 (1.05, 2.27) P = 0.03), cytomegalovirus (OR 1.5 (1.0, 2.1) P = 0.05) and chlamydia (AOR 1.88 (1.27, 2.77) P = 0.002). Of respondents who have managed a pregnant woman with HCV 25% inappropriately test infants for infection before one month of age. Conclusion:, This study highlights the need for more education and resources to increase HIV testing rates and to improve follow-up of an HCV-exposed infant. [source] Need for syphilis screening and counselling in HIV counselling and testing centres: A curtain raiser study from north IndiaAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2009Vijaya Lakshmi Nag Abstract Background:,Voluntary counselling and testing centres (VCTC) are important HIV screening points for the population with suspicion or apprehension for HIV, because of high-risk exposures. Theoretically, these are also at the risk of having co-infections, commonest being syphilis. The present short-term study was aimed at knowing the sero-reactivity of syphilis among a study cohort attending the VCTC in King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. Method:,During a 2.5-month period, 49 HIV-positive and 171 HIV-negative sera were tested for venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL). The positive sera were further tested for treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA). Result:,Eleven (22.4%) HIV-positive sera and 104 (60.8%) HIV-negative sera were VDRL-reactive (,1:8 dilutions). Of these, TPHA was reactive in three (27.3%) and four (3.9%), respectively. Conclusion:,The result might suggest the need for routine screening and counselling for syphilis at VCTC. Studies from other centres on larger population are required. [source] | |||||||||||||