Search

Background Syphilis is known as the “great imitator” because of its polymorphic clinical manifestations. Condyloma lata are an uncommon mucocutaneous manifestation of secondary syphilis, generally localized in intertriginous areas, such as the genitals and anus. Extragenital localization of condyloma lata is considered unusual. Methods A case study of extra-genital condylomata is presented. To contextualise the case, a literature review of extra-genital condylomata lata was subsequently undertaken. The authors searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Excerpta Medica/EMBASE English-language sources using the following keywords: “condyloma lata”, “condylomata lata”, and “condyloma latum”. Results Thirty-five papers (from 1940 to 2021) describing an extra-anogenital localization of condyloma lata were found and are summarized in Table 1. Patients were mainly males (82.1%), with a mean age of 31.9 years. Most of them showed other manifestations of secondary syphilis (53.9%). In a minority of cases (39.0%), concomitant anogenital condyloma lata were present, thus making the diagnosis easier. The toe web localization was the most documented (26.2%) followed by the oral cavity (23.8%). Conclusion In the presence of extra-genital condyloma lata, the differential diagnosis is not always clear, especially when no other muco-cutaneous lesions are observed. In the case of eroded or wet lesions involving any cutaneous fold, associated or not with other cutaneous manifestations, a sexual history should be obtained, and syphilis must be considered.

Although primary syphilis generally involves the genitalia, literature reports that 12% of chancres are extragenital, with the anus and oral cavity as the most frequent locations. We present hereby a case series of four chancres of the finger observed at the sexually transmitted infection centre of Milan between 2010 and 2021.

Loiasis is an infestation of the skin and eyes caused by the nematode Loa loa. We report a case of loiasis in a woman who contracted the infestation in Cameroon. The clinical picture was characterized by Calabar swellings on the upper limbs and axillary lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests revealed persistent leucocytosis with neutropenia, lymphopenia, and eosinophilia. The search for microfilariae was always negative. The patient was successfully treated with ivermectin and albendazole. Follow-up (5 years) was negative for both clinical manifestations and laboratory tests.

Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern globally. Increasing incidence and sporadic ceftriaxone-resistant cases, including treatment failures, are growing concerns. The 2020 European gonorrhoea guideline provides up-to-date evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea. The updates and recommendations emphasize significantly increasing gonorrhoea incidence; broad indications for increased testing with validated and quality-assured nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and culture; dual antimicrobial therapy including high-dose ceftriaxone and azithromycin (ceftriaxone 1 g plus azithromycin 2 g) OR ceftriaxone 1 g monotherapy (ONLY in well-controlled settings, see guideline for details) for uncomplicated gonorrhoea when the antimicrobial susceptibility is unknown; recommendation of test of cure (TOC) in all gonorrhoea cases to ensure eradication of infection and identify resistance; and enhanced surveillance of treatment failures when recommended treatment regimens have been used. Improvements in access to appropriate testing, test performance, diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and treatment, and follow-up of gonorrhoea patients are essential in controlling gonorrhoea and to mitigate the emergence and/or spread of ceftriaxone resistance and multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea. This review provides the detailed background, evidence base and discussions, for the 2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults (Unemo M, et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2020).

Varicella-like exanthem as a specific COVID-19-associated skin manifestation: Multicenter case series of 22 patients

Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP), or Flegel's disease (FD), is a rare disorder of keratinization first described in 1958 by Flegel. HLP is characterized by asymptomatic small papules distributed symmetrically on the dorsal feet and lower part of the legs. It typically presents in the fourth or fifth decade of life. FD has been reported more commonly in women, and little is known about the pathogenesis of this rare dermatosis. Histological examination is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis, and the characteristic features are: focal compact hyperkeratosis, thinned stratum malpighii, epidermal atrophy, and a dense, band-like lymphocytic infiltrate in the papillary dermis. The treatment of FD is challenging, and a fully effective standard therapy does not exist. We report four cases of HLP that have been diagnosed at the Dermatology Unit of IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy, and a literature review is enclosed.

Mycoplasma genitalium infection contributes to 10-35% of non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in men. In women, M. genitalium is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in 10-25%. Transmission of M. genitalium occurs through direct mucosal contact.Asymptomatic infections are frequent. In men, urethritis, dysuria and discharge predominate. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, dysuria or symptoms of PID - abdominal pain and dyspareunia. Symptoms are the main indication for diagnostic testing. Diagnosis is achievable only through nucleic acid amplification testing and must include investigation for macrolide resistance mutations.Therapy for M .genitalium is indicated if M. genitalium is detected. Doxycycline has a cure rate of 30-40%, but resistance is not increasing. Azithromycin has a cure rate of 85-95% in macrolide-susceptible infections. An extended course of azithromycin appears to have a higher cure rate, and pre-treatment with doxycycline may decrease organism load and the risk of macrolide resistance selection. Moxifloxacin can be used as second-line therapy but resistance is increasing.Uncomplicated M. genitalium infection without macrolide resistance mutations or resistance testing: Azithromycin 500 mg on day one, then 250 mg on days 2-5 (oral). Second-line treatment and treatment for uncomplicated macrolide-resistant M. genitalium infection: Moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 7 days (oral). Third-line treatment for persistent M. genitalium infection after azithromycin and moxifloxacin: Doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg bid for 14 days (oral) may cure 40-70%. Pristinamycin 1 g qid for 10 days (oral) has a cure rate of around 75%. Complicated M. genitalium infection (PID, epididymitis): Moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 14 days. MAIN CHANGES FROM THE 2016 EUROPEAN M.Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and warnings against moxifloxacin use, indications for testing and treatment have been narrowed to primarily involve symptomatic patients. The importance of macrolide resistance-guided therapy is emphasised.

Gomberg, Mikhail/0000-0002-1070-5229; Nicolaidou, Electra/0000-0002-8221-0217 WOS:000468972400005 PubMed ID: 30968980 Background Anogenital warts (AGW) can cause economic burden on healthcare systems and are associated with emotional, psychological and physical issues. Objective To provide guidance to physicians on the diagnosis and management of AGW. Methods Fourteen global experts on AGW developed guidance on the diagnosis and management of AGW in an effort to unify international recommendations. Guidance was developed based on published international and national AGW guidelines and an evaluation of relevant literature published up to August 2016. Authors provided expert opinion based on their clinical experiences. Results A checklist for a patient's initial consultation is provided to help physicians when diagnosing AGW to get the relevant information from the patient in order to manage and treat the AGW effectively. A number of frequently asked questions are also provided to aid physicians when communicating with patients about AGW. Treatment of AGW should be individualized and selected based on the number, size, morphology, location, and keratinization of warts, and whether they are new or recurrent. Different techniques can be used to treat AGW including ablation, immunotherapy and other topical therapies. Combinations of these techniques are thought to be more effective at reducing AGW recurrence than monotherapy. A simplified algorithm was created suggesting patients with 1-5 warts should be treated with ablation followed by immunotherapy. Patients with >5 warts should use immunotherapy for 2 months followed by ablation and a second 2-month course of immunotherapy. Guidance for daily practice situations and the subsequent action that can be taken, as well as an algorithm for treatment of large warts, were also created. Conclusion The guidance provided will help physicians with the diagnosis and management of AGW in order to improve the health and quality of life of patients with AGW. Meda Pharma S.p.A. a Mylan Company Medical writing support was funded by Meda Pharma S.p.A. a Mylan Company.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (caused by SARS-CoV-2) is a public health emergency of magnitude.1 The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in such a densely populated area as Lombardy threatened the capacity of the health system. All health facilities were reorganised to contain the spread of the virus. Unprecedented social isolation measures (lockdown) were adopted to control the epidemic.2 In relation to sexual health, one would assume that the lockdown should reduce the opportunity for sexual encounters and acquisition opportunities for STIs. In Milan, the main city of the Lombardy region, there are two main STI centres which account for about 80% of STI diagnosis. On 8 March, regional ordinance limited outpatient activity to acute cases only. The two STI centres remained open for ‘emergencies’. Patients …

BackgroundSyphilis incidence has exponentially increased in recent decades, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Primary syphilis is characterised by a chancre appearing at the site of Treponema pallidum (TP) inoculation. Atypical morphological variants of syphilitic chancre are frequent. Clinical suspicion must be confirmed either by the demonstration of TP within the lesion through direct tests, such as dark field microscopy (DFM) or T. pallidum nucleic acid amplification technique (TP-NAAT), or by serological tests.ObjectivesTo analyse the clinical features, the sexual behaviour and the role of diagnostic tests in a cohort of men with primary syphilis in Milan.MethodsEpidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of male patients with primary syphilis seen at the STI Center of the University of Milan between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed by at least one positive diagnostic test of either DFM, TP-NAAT or serology.ResultsAmong a total of 244 patients, 160 (65.6%) were MSM and 32 (13.1%) were living with HIV. One hundred twenty-four (50.8%) patients had a clinically atypical chancre. Chancres were exclusively extragenital in 30 (12.3%) patients, with MSM being more commonly affected (MSM vs heterosexuals: 16.3% vs 4.8%, respectively; p=0.012), and anal region the most frequently involved site. Chancres were multiple in 68/242 (28.1%) patients and morphologically atypical in 76/244 (31.1%). Diagnosis was obtained by (1) both serology and direct methods in 158/244 patients (64.7%), (2) serology solely in 47/244 (19.3%) and (3) direct methods solely in 39/244 (16%). DFM yielded positive results in 83/139 (59.7%) patients, while TP-NAAT gave positive results in 114/121 (94.2%) patients.ConclusionsPatients with primary syphilis frequently present with morphologically atypical chancres. Furthermore, MSM commonly exhibit extragenital involvement. A combined diagnostic approach including both direct and indirect tests is needed.

The authors describe an atypical case of primary syphilis of the neck. The unusual clinical presentation and localization led to an initial diagnostic mistake. This case confirms the polymorphic character of syphilis. Considering the increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections worldwide, a high index of suspicion should be maintained by physicians.

is missing (Short communication)

Mesotherapy is sometimes responsible for dermal and subcutaneous infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. Mycobacterium chelonae, M abscessus, and M fortuitum are usually involved. We present two cases of deep skin infections caused by M chelonae following mesotherapy. A review of the literature is included.

Syphilis is a systemic disease that initially usually involves the skin and may subsequently spread to almost all internal organs. It has polymorphous manifestations and has been defined by French Dermatologists “la grande mime” because of its ability to mimic many other diseases. If untreated syphilis can be a cause of death many years after infection. Penicillin is still the drug of choice and no documented cases of clinical resistance have been reported.

At present, we have no evidence that we are doing more good than harm detecting and subsequently treating Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum colonizations/infections. Consequently, routine testing and treatment of asymptomatic or symptomatic men and women for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum are not recommended. Asymptomatic carriage of these bacteria is common, and the majority of individuals do not develop any disease. Although U. urealyticum has been associated with urethritis in men, it is probably not causal unless a high load is present (likely carriage in 40-80% of detected cases). The extensive testing, detection and subsequent antimicrobial treatment of these bacteria performed in some settings may result in the selection of antimicrobial resistance, in these bacteria, true' STI agents, as well as in the general microbiota, and substantial economic cost for society and individuals, particularly women. The commercialization of many particularly multiplex PCR assays detecting traditional non-viral STIs together with M. hominis, U. parvum and/or U. urealyticum has worsened this situation. Thus, routine screening of asymptomatic men and women or routine testing of symptomatic individuals for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum is not recommended. If testing of men with symptomatic urethritis is undertaken, traditional STI urethritis agents such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, M. genitalium and, in settings where relevant, Trichomonas vaginalis should be excluded prior to U. urealyticum testing and quantitative species-specific molecular diagnostic tests should be used. Only men with high U. urealyticum load should be considered for treatment; however, appropriate evidence for effective treatment regimens is lacking. In symptomatic women, bacterial vaginosis (BV) should always be tested for and treated if detected.

The European guideline for the management of pelvic inflammatory disease includes evidence-based advice on the investigation and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It has been updated to acknowledge the role of Mycoplasma genitalium as an important cause of PID with testing now recommended for women presenting with possible PID and for the male partners of women with confirmed M. genitalium infection. Recent evidence suggests that serious adverse events are uncommon when using moxifloxacin and its use is now recommended as a first-line therapy, especially in those women with M. genitalium PID. The potential utility of MRI scanning of the pelvis in excluding differential diagnoses has been highlighted. The use of doxycycline is now suggested as empirical treatment for male partners of women with PID to reduce exposure to macrolide antibiotics, which has been associated with increased resistance in M. genitalium.

BACKGROUND: Although syphilis rates have been relatively high in Italy for over 15 years, no data on the molecular types of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum) circulating in this country are yet available. Likewise, no data exist on how widespread is resistance to macrolide or tetracycline antibiotics in these strains. Such data would however promote comprehensive studies on the molecular epidemiology of syphilis infections in Italy and inform future interventions aiming at syphilis control in this and other European countries. GOALS AND STUDY DESIGN: Swabs from oral, genital, cutaneous, or anal lesions were obtained from 60 syphilis patients attending dermatology clinics in Milan, Turin, Genoa, and Bologna. Molecular typing of T. pallidum DNA was performed to provide a snapshot of the genetic diversity of strains circulating in Northern Italy. Samples were also screened for mutations conferring resistance to macrolides and tetracyclines. RESULTS: T. pallidum DNA was detected in 88.3% of the specimens (53/60) analyzed. Complete and partial T. pallidum typing data were obtained for 77.3% (41/53) and 15.0% (8/53) of samples, respectively, while four samples could not be typed despite T. pallidum DNA being detected. The highest strain type heterogeneity was seen in samples from Bologna and Milan, followed by Genoa. Minimal diversity was detected in samples from Turin, in spite of the highest number of typeable samples collected there. Resistance to macrolides was detected in 94.3% (50/53) of the strains, but no known mutations associated with tetracycline resistance were found. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic diversity among T. pallidum strains circulating in Northern Italy varies significantly among geographical areas regardless of physical distance. Resistance to macrolides is widespread.

We report a case of secondary syphilis mimicking lupus vulgaris in an HIV-infected patient. A 21-year-old Brazilian man presented with a two-month history of asymptomatic cutaneous lesions accompanied by fever and fatigue. Dermatological evaluation revealed an erythematous, crusted, large plaque on the neck with the ‘apple jelly’ sign on diascopy and two smaller scaly elements on the trunk and left palm. Bacteriological examinations for bacteria and mycobacteria gave negative results. Histology revealed psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia and dermal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Serology for syphilis was positive, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of Treponema pallidum in lesional skin. A diagnosis of secondary syphilis was made, and the patient was successfully treated with benzathine penicillin G. Cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis are protean and skin tuberculosis may be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in HIV-infected patients. In the current case, clinical examination, and particularly, ‘apple jelly’ sign positivity, was suggestive of lupus vulgaris, but only typical histopathology and immunohistochemistry led to the correct diagnosis of secondary syphilis.

Anogenital warts (AGWs) are an important issue for public health centers dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections. They are epidemiologically relevant, with significant morbidity and an established effective treatment is lacking. In this article, we examine the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspect of the problem in order to give an up to date picture of the situation and a practical clue for the management of AGWs.

Acta Derm Venereol 95 © 2015 The Authors. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1936 Journal Compilation © 2015 Acta Dermato-Venereologica. ISSN 0001-5555 A 68-year-old Italian man presented with a 7-month history of multiple erosions on the trunk as well as lips and oral cavity. Before admission to our department, he was treated in another institution with systemic corticosteroids (oral prednisone at the initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day, with progressively tapering dosages for 2 months) and other immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine (1.25 mg/kg/ day for 2 months), intravenous immunoglobulins (one cycle consisting of one infusion of 400 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days), and rituximab (one cycle consisting of one infusion of 375 mg/m2/every week for 4 weeks), achieving resolution of the cutaneous manifestations but without control of the oral involvement. Upon admission, he had multiple lip and oral erosions (Fig. 1a). In the following days, he developed erythematous-violaceous vegetating nodules that coalesced into ulcerated plaques on the lips and tongue (Fig. 1b). The patient’s general condition was compromised; he was asthenic and, due to dysphagia, had lost about 15 kg in the last 3 months. Staging fibroscopy revealed nodules that induced marked stenosis of the larynx and pharynx (Fig. 1c). Within a few days, an emergency tracheotomy was required because of acute dyspnea. Biopsy specimens from a nodule were submitted for histology (Fig. 1d).

Mycoplasma genitalium infection contributes to 10-35% of non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in men. In women, M. genitalium is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Transmission of M. genitalium occurs through direct mucosal contact. Asymptomatic infections are frequent. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, dysuria or symptoms of PID - abdominal pain and dyspareunia. In men, urethritis, dysuria and discharge predominates. Besides symptoms, indication for laboratory test is a high-risk sexual behaviour. Diagnosis is achievable only through nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). If available, NAAT diagnosis should be followed with an assay for macrolide resistance. Therapy for M. genitalium is indicated if M. genitalium is detected or on an epidemiological basis. Doxycycline has a low cure rate of 30-40%, but does not increase resistance. Azithromycin has a cure rate of 85-95% in macrolide susceptible infections. An extended course appears to have a higher cure rate. An increasing prevalence of macrolide resistance, most likely due to widespread use of azithromycin 1 g single dose without test of cure, is drastically decreasing the cure rate. Moxifloxacin can be used as second-line therapy, but resistance is increasing. Uncomplicated M. genitalium infection should be treated with azithromycin 500 mg on day one, then 250 mg on days 2-5 (oral), or josamycin 500 mg three times daily for 10 days (oral). Second line treatment and treatment for uncomplicated macrolide resistant M. genitalium infection is moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 7-10 days (oral). For third line treatment of persistent M. genitalium infection after azithromycin and moxifloxacin doxycycline 100 mg two times daily for 14 days can be tried and may cure 30%. Pristinamycin 1 g four times daily for 10 days (oral) has a cure rate of app. 90%. Complicated M. genitalium infection (PID, epididymitis) is treated with moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 14 days.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a cause of 10-35% of non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in men and in women, and is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Transmission of M. genitalium occurs through direct mucosal contact. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, dysuria or symptoms of PID - abdominal pain and dyspareunia. In men, urethritis, dysuria and discharge predominates. Asymptomatic infections are frequent. In this review, we present the evidence base for the recommendations in the 2016 European guideline on M. genitalium infections and describe indications for testing, recommended diagnostic methods, treatment and patient management. The guideline was prepared on behalf of the European branch of The International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections; the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology; the European Dermatology Forum; the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; the Union of European Medical Specialists. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Office of the World Health Organisation also contributed to their development.

This guideline is intended to serve as a framework for those working in any location where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are managed. It offers recommendations which will need to be adapted depending on local facilities and policies, and is not intended to be all encompassing. This guideline should be read in conjunction with other European guidelines on the management of specific infections (see http://www.iusti.org/ ).