Sexually transmitted infections

The underpinnings of the global HIV and STI epidemics are inextricable. A new report looks at combined solutions. We offer highlights.

Sexually transmitted infection cases have reached an all-time high at an alarming speed. Test your knowledge of different treatment options with our new case challenge. 

Take this brief test on the updated CDC guidelines to give yourself a refresher course in STD management and stay current with the latest practices.

If we had a vaccine that was as effective at reducing HIV infection as circumcision, it would be a recommended vaccine here in the US, argues this pediatrician.

Digital abnormalities; oral candidiasis and HIV-infection; extra dose of MMR; penile rash . . . here: a range of topics to challenge you.

Here: 5 things (at least) you may not know about human viral hepatitis.

Data from pivotal international phase III clinical trials showed superior efficacy, safety, and convenience for a new wave of direct-acting oral agents. The breakthrough will benefit physicians in all practice settings, including primary care.

English- and Spanish-speaking parents cited widely differing reasons for avoiding vaccination for their eligible daughters or failing to ensure the 3 doses were received.

Most parents of boys aged 9 to 18 years do not know that an HPV vaccine is available for their sons. One major factor is a lack of information. This is where you play a vital role.

The FDA today advised physicians prescribing rituximab to screen and monitor all patients taking the drug for evidence of hepatitis B infection.

A 15-year prospective study shows that although cryoglobulinemic syndrome has no influence on overall survival of hepatitis C patients, it does influence the risk for other comorbidities.

Not only does the welcome long-term survival of HIV-infected patients put them at risk of ordinary age-related bone loss, antiretroviral therapy leads to a decline in bone mineral density. What can be done?

Because of this patient’s recent travel history to Africa, the penile lesions were cultured, and Haemophilus ducreyi was isolated, confirming the clinical suspicion of chancroid.

Approval of a blood test that identifies the genotype of hepatitis C virus that has infected a patient can be expected to improve the effectiveness of treatment for chronic hepatitis C with new antivirals.

One expert calls it "HIV all over again," but the revolution in hepatitis C treatment has taken place more quickly. And the new drugs act more quickly and effectively.

This is a classic case of herpes zoster. Note that the rash is limited to T5-6 dermatomes.

This clustered grouping of small, shallow erosions surmounting a slightly indurated plaque is characteristic for “cold sores.” Because no vesicles were present and the lesions appeared to be crusting over, the patient was advised to apply an OTC cream (docosanol 10%) per package insert instructions.

Condylomata acuminata this extensive are beyond the capacity of all topical therapies. The area was initially treated by carbon dioxide laser ablation, and residual small foci of infection were subsequently treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream.

The combination of itching massive scaling suggests the diagnosis of crusted scabies. This variety of scabies is seen in those who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised (typically HIV+). Repeated oral doses of ivermectin along with topical permethrin application were required to clear this infestation.

This teen sought care because of extremely pruritic nodules on the penis and scrotum. He also had mild itching on the wrists and between several finger webs. This distribution of a pruritic dermatosis is classic for scabies.

The patient received standard acyclovir dosage for first outbreak genital herpes: 200 mg orally, 5 times daily, for 10 days total. At this point, there is no way to predict how often or how severe future recurrences will be.

This painless, indurated ulcer is typical of the chancre of primary syphilis. This patient also had a positive RPR in a titer of 1:32.

Any adult with patchy hair loss with preservation of follicular openings should be questioned about sexual exposures. This presentation is not typical of alopecia areata, and the patient is too old for tinea capitis to be a major consideration.

Chlamydia trachomatis, serovar L2b-a recently discovered microbe-was the cause of atypical lymphogranuloma venereum in this HIV-positive patient.

The patient was a traveling salesman and was concerned that the lesions were bedbug bites. The diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infection was confirmed by viral “culture.” What was this patient's condition?

Herpes zoster is a reactivation of an infection with the varicella zoster virus, manifests as painful vesicular rash.

Grouped vesicles filled with straw colored liquid on an inflamed base that are accompanied by complaints of a tingling sensation and then pain are classic signs and symptoms of a herpes outbreak.

Age-based screening recommendations for chronic hepatitis C virus infection targeted to Americans born between 1945 and 1965 were announced by the CDC.

Syphilis is often called the "great imitator." The slides that follow show syphilis in various guises-and various disorders that can mimic the cutaneous manifestations of the sexually transmitted infection.

Did you know: The hepatitis B virus is the only human virus that is routinely tested for by measuring a marker, or “footprint,” of the virus in the blood? Here, an explanation for this and 4 more things you need to know about HBV.