Sexually Transmitted Infections

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.

A 31-year-old woman presents for evaluation of an asymptomatic, firm plaque on the forehead. Lesions of similar size and consistency were present at the nape of the neck and on the chest.

A 32-year-old woman presents with recurrent episodes of lip swelling associated with massive, painful blister formation and crusting.

What exactly are the new guidelines for vaccinating boys against HPV infection-and why is this development good news for both men and women?

Presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann recently made the unsubstantiated comment on national TV that the HPV vaccine has “very serious consequences” and that it can cause mental retardation.