Pentatrichomonas hominis in an immunosuppressed patient with enteric manifestations

Pentatrichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoa considered to be a commensal that inhabits caecum and large intestine in man. It is regarded to be non-pathogenic, however, it has been postulated that these trichomonads undergo multiplication under favorable conditions for growth and exhibit a form of opportunism eventually causing diarrhea. We report, for the first time in India, a case of diarrhea due to P. hominis in an elderly male with myeloid malignancy that resolved on treatment with metronidazole

Nail as a window of systemic diseases

Certain nail changes are specific for various dermatological disorders. In addition, examination of nails may also provide an insight into more sinister systemic manifestations in the form of both subtle as well as specific changes. These findings may present as a defect of various anatomical components of the nail unit; nail matrix, nail plate and/or nail bed or vasculature. This article is an attempt to equip the dermatologists with a foresight to suspect and diagnose the unapparent systemic connotations that may be possible by a simple but detailed nail examination

Onychomycosis: Diagnosis and management

Onychomycosis is a common nail ailment associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Increased prevalence in the recent years is attributed to enhanced longevity, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, avid sports participation, and emergence of HIV. Dermatophytes are the most commonly implicated etiologic agents, particularly Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, followed by Candida species and non dermatophytic molds (NDMs). Several clinical variants have been recognized. Candida onychomycosis affects fingernails more often and is accompanied by paronychia. NDM molds should be suspected in patients with history of trauma and associated periungual inflammation. Diagnosis is primarily based upon KOH examination, culture and histopathological examinations of nail clippings and nail biopsy. Adequate and appropriate sample collection is vital to pinpoint the exact etiological fungus. Various improvisations have been adopted to improve the fungal isolation. Culture is the gold standard, while histopathology is often performed to diagnose and differentiate onychomycosis from other nail disorders such as psoriasis and lichen planus. Though rarely used, DNA-based methods are effective for identifying mixed infections and quantification of fungal load. Various treatment modalities including topical, systemic and surgical have been used.Topically, drugs (ciclopirox and amorolfine nail lacquers) are delivered through specialized transungual drug delivery systems ensuring high concentration and prolonged contact. Commonly used oral therapeutic agents include terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole. Terbinafine and itraconazole are given as continuous as well as intermittent regimes. Continuous terbinafine appears to be the most effective regime for dermatophyte onychomycosis. Despite good therapeutic response to newer modalities, long-term outcome is unsatisfactory due to therapeutic failure, relapse, and reinfection. To combat the poor response, newer strategies such as combination, sequential, and supplementary therapies have been suggested. In the end, treatment of special populations such as diabetic, elderly, and children is outlined

Disorders of nail in infants and children

Nail disorders in infants and children do not contribute to substantial pediatric consultations as they are relatively uncommon. Nail changes are often missed as specific nail examination is not routinely done in this age group. The presentation and management of nail disorders in children are different from adults; few being specific to the children. Physiological alterations are common in infants and pediatric age. These should be known to a clinician so as to differentiate from pathological conditions, to reassure parents, and to avoid unnecessary medical intervention. The congenital nail disorders can be a part of major hereditary syndromes requiring further evaluation. Several acquired causes may cause nail dystrophy. Some of them are self-limiting while others may require long-term management. Meticulous and careful nail examination is, therefore, important in neonates, infants and children for early diagnoses, management and to prevent complications. There are few epidemiological studies delineating nail changes in infants and children. In this script, we have comprehensively reviewed nail conditions seen in pediatric population through all stages, i.e., neonates, infants, and children

Leprosy in post-elimination era in India: Difficult journey ahead

Leprosy is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and peripheral nerves. Elimination of leprosy as a public health problem was reached at the global level in the year 2000 and by India on 31 st December, 2005. Thereafter, leprosy services in India have been integrated with General Health-Care System resulting in reduced focus and funds. Sustaining the gains made so far in controlling leprosy is a big challenge and there is no time for complacency. Pockets of high endemicity with prevalence rate of > 1 still exist in many states. Our data from a tertiary care center indicates poor epidemiological control and ongoing disease transmission. To combat this, dermatologists all over India should continue to play a central role in capacity building and training of undergraduate and post-graduate students, medical officers, and field workers

Cutaneous tuberculosis in children: The Indian perspective

Cutaneous tuberculosis continues to be a significant medical problem even with the advent of highly effective antituberculous drugs. It constitutes about 1.5% of all extra pulmonary tuberculosis. The prevalence in children varies from 18 to 54% in India. There is no gender predilection and the infection occurs with increased frequency in 10-14 year age group. Intrafamilial source of TB has been observed very frequently. A concomitant TB lymphadenitis is most common while involvement of other systemic organs like lung, bone and abdomen has also been observed. Protective efficacy of BCG is debatable and not yet fully defined. Of all the clinical types, scrofuloderma (SFD) is the most commonly encountered variant followed by lupus vulgaris (LV) and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TBVC). Lichen scrofulosorum (LS) is generally found to be associated with systemic TB focus in about 72% of cases. The impact of HIV on childhood cutaneous TB seems to be minimal. Similar to adults, the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis relies mainly on histopathology, culture on LJ medium or radiometric BACTEC 460 TB culture system and PCR. In addition Mantoux positivity and a positive therapeutic trial with anti-tubercular drugs may be a good pointer to tubercular infection. A thorough clinical evaluation and exhaustive investigations to pin-point associated systemic focus is advocated as the latter has an impact on the duration of treatment. Cutaneous TB in children is treated as per the recommendations of therapy for extrapulmonary TB

Cutaneous tuberculosis in children: The Indian perspective

Cutaneous tuberculosis continues to be a significant medical problem even with the advent of highly effective antituberculous drugs. It constitutes about 1.5% of all extra pulmonary tuberculosis. The prevalence in children varies from 18 to 54% in India. There is no gender predilection and the infection occurs with increased frequency in 10-14 year age group. Intrafamilial source of TB has been observed very frequently. A concomitant TB lymphadenitis is most common while involvement of other systemic organs like lung, bone and abdomen has also been observed. Protective efficacy of BCG is debatable and not yet fully defined. Of all the clinical types, scrofuloderma (SFD) is the most commonly encountered variant followed by lupus vulgaris (LV) and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TBVC). Lichen scrofulosorum (LS) is generally found to be associated with systemic TB focus in about 72% of cases. The impact of HIV on childhood cutaneous TB seems to be minimal. Similar to adults, the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis relies mainly on histopathology, culture on LJ medium or radiometric BACTEC 460 TB culture system and PCR. In addition Mantoux positivity and a positive therapeutic trial with anti-tubercular drugs may be a good pointer to tubercular infection. A thorough clinical evaluation and exhaustive investigations to pin-point associated systemic focus is advocated as the latter has an impact on the duration of treatment. Cutaneous TB in children is treated as per the recommendations of therapy for extrapulmonary TB

Ocular manifestations of behcet′s disease in Indian patients

<b>Purpose:</b> To study the prevalence, manifestations and severity of ocular involvement in Indian patients with Behcet&#x2032;s disease. <b> Method:</b> Prospective analysis of all patients of suspected Behcet&#x2032;s disease between 1997 and 2001. <b> Results: </b> A total of 19 patients were diagnosed to have Behcet&#x2032;s disease. Ocular manifestations were seen in 36&#x0025; patients. The commonest manifestation was conjunctival ulcer (26.3&#x0025;), followed by iridocyclitis (10.5&#x0025;). None of the patients had posterior segment involvement or visual loss. Response to topical corticosteroids was good. <b> Conclusion:</b> The prevalence and severity of ocular lesions in Behcet&#x2032;s disease is relatively low in Indian patients. Conjunctival ulcers was a common finding, which is rarely reported in the world literature