Impact of an evidence-based bundle on incontinence-associated dermatitis prevalence in hospital patients: A quasi-experimental translational study.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention on the prevalence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in six hospitals in one state in Australia. This quasi-experimental pre-and post-study, conducted in 18 wards, was part of a larger implementation science study on incontinence-associated dermatitis. Skin and incontinence assessments were conducted on patients during February and March 2020 (pre-intervention) and July and August 2021 (post-intervention). The intervention comprised continence assessment and management, an education brochure for patients, family and caregivers on IAD, the Ghent Global IAD Categorisation Tool (GLOBIAD) and a skin care regime with patient skin protection measures (three-in-one barrier cream cloths, minimisation of bed protection layers, use of appropriate continence aid). A total of 1897 patients were assessed (pre-intervention = 964, post-intervention = 933). A total of 343 (35.6%) pre-intervention patients and 351 (37.6%) post-intervention patients had incontinence. The prevalence of hospital-acquired IAD was 6.71% in the pre-intervention group and 4.27% in the post-intervention group; a reduction of 36.3% (p = 0.159) despite higher patient acuity, prevalence of double incontinence and the COVID-19 pandemic in the post-intervention group compared with the pre-intervention group. Our multisite best practice IAD prevention and treatment intervention was able to reduce the prevalence and severity of hospital-acquired IAD, suggesting enduring effectiveness of the intervention.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis in older adults in residential care settings: a point prevalence study.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a skin inflammation caused by contact with urine or faeces or both. It has a negative effect on the patient's quality of life and is indicative of the care provided. However, globally there is a lack of empirical data on the prevalence of IAD. AIM: To identify, for the first time, the proportion of older adults in extended care settings in Ireland affected by IAD. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, multisite, point prevalence survey, across three community extended care settings for older people in Ireland. METHODS: Two clinical nurse specialists, using the Scottish Excoriation and Moisture Related Skin Damage Tool, identified the presence of IAD through clinical observation and visual skin inspection. IAD prevalence was calculated for the total population and incontinent population sets using percentages and confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of incontinence was 86.4% (n=165), a significantly higher proportion were female (P=0.003). The point prevalence of IAD across the total population and incontinent population was 11.5% (22/191; 95% CI, 7.4-19.9%) and 13.3% (22/164; 95% CI, 8.5-19.5%), respectively. Being incontinent was associated with being female, more dependent (Barthel), having possible cognitive impairment, poorer mobility (Braden and Waterlow) and a high risk of pressure ulcers (Waterlow). A logistic regression analysis found no predictor variables for IAD among the variables that met the cut-off point for this analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides the first point prevalence empirical data on the occurrence of IAD in Ireland. It can inform decision-making on future planning and budgeting of new quality improvement projects and act as a benchmark for ongoing auditing of IAD.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of azole-resistant Malassezia pachydermatis isolates from canine otitis and dermatitis: A 2-year study.

Despite previous reports on the emergence of Malassezia pachydermatis strains with decreased susceptibility to azoles, there is limited information on the actual prevalence and genetic diversity of azole-resistant isolates of this yeast species. We assessed the prevalence of azole resistance in M. pachydermatis isolates from cases of dog otitis or skin disease attended in a veterinary teaching hospital during a 2-year period and analyzed the ERG11 (encoding a lanosterol 14-α demethylase, the primary target of azoles) and whole genome sequence diversity of a group of isolates that displayed reduced azole susceptibility. Susceptibility testing of 89 M. pachydermatis isolates from 54 clinical episodes (1-6 isolates/episode) revealed low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to most azoles and other antifungals, but 11 isolates from six different episodes (i.e., 12.4% of isolates and 11.1% of episodes) had decreased susceptibility to multiple azoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, ravuconazole, and/or voriconazole). ERG11 sequencing of these 11 azole-resistant isolates identified eight DNA sequence profiles, most of which contained amino acid substitutions also found in some azole-susceptible isolates. Analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) results revealed that the azole-resistant isolates from the same episode of otitis, or even different episodes affecting the same animal, were more genetically related to each other than to isolates from other dogs. In conclusion, our results confirmed the remarkable ERG11 sequence variability in M. pachydermatis isolates of animal origin observed in previous studies and demonstrated the value of WGS for disentangling the epidemiology of this yeast species.

We analyzed the prevalence and diversity of azole-resistant Malassezia pachydermatis isolates in a veterinary hospital. A low prevalence of multi-azole resistance (c.10% of isolates and cases) was found. Whole genome and ERG11 sequencing of resistant isolates revealed remarkable genetic diversity.

Factors affecting the development of incontinence dermatitis among patients in intensive care unit.

AIM: This research was conducted to determine the factors affecting the development of incontinence-associated dermatitis in intensive care patients. METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 114 intensive care patients who developed incontinence-associated dermatitis. Patients were followed for a minimum of 8 days. The 'Patient Information Form' and the 'Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and Severity Instrument (IADSI)' were used for data collection. The data were collected between February and May 2022. Ethics committee approval was obtained for the research. In the evaluation of the data, SPSS for Windows (Version 24.0, Statistical Package for Social Sciences) program was used. RESULTS: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean IADSI score between day 1 (17.79 ± 6.06) and day 8 (27.35 ± 9.55). Statistically significant differences were found between mean IADSI score and gender, status of smoking and alcohol use, chronic disease status, regular medication use, type and level of nutrition, defecation characteristics and number, presence of infection, presence of urinary and fecal incontinence, mobility and sweating status, body and defecation hygiene, age and BMI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The day 8 IADSI scores are considered to be evidence of the rapid progress of IAD after its development. It is important to know the risk factors associated with IAD in order to recognize the risk factors before IAD develops and to take possible precautions for these risk factors.

Impacto de la implementación de la estrategia multimodal de la OMS para mejorar la higiene de manos en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Impact on implementation of multimodal of World Health Organization strategies to improve hand hygiene in an Intensive Care Unit

INTRODUCCIÓN: La higiene de manos (HM) es la principal medida para disminuir las IAAS, las que en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) presentan una alta prevalencia. En Chile no existe información sobre el impacto de la estrategia multimodal de la OMS para la HM en adultos. El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la implementación de la estrategia en una UPC. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio longitudinal con evaluación pre y post-intervención, entre los años 2018 y 2021, en la UCI del Hospital del Trabajador (HT), Santiago, Chile. La implementación se evaluó con pautas de cumplimiento de HM, consumo de jabón y productos en base alcohólica (PBA). El impacto se midió con las tasas de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM), infecciones del torrente sanguíneo asociadas a CVC (ITS- CVC) y del tracto urinario por CUP (ITU-CUP), y la incidencia anual de dermatitis. RESULTADOS: El cumplimiento de pautas aumentó de 91 a 96% (p < 0,05). El consumo total de productos para la HM aumentó de 0,17 a 0,31 L/día/cama y de PBA en 10%. Las tasas de IAAS pre y post-intervención fueron para NAVM de 10,3 y 8,4; ITS-CVC de 0,8 y 1,5 e ITU-CUP de 4,2 y 5,3 por 1.000 días de exposición. La incidencia anual de dermatitis disminuyó en 30% (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de la estrategia multimodal se asoció a una disminución de las tasas de NAVM y de dermatitis en la UCI del HT.

INTRODUCTION: Hand hygiene is the main measure to decrease infections related to healthcare and the Intensive Care Unit has a high prevalence. In Chile there aren't reports about the impact of the World Health Organization multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy. AIM: To assess the implementation impact of this strategy at the ICU. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal study with pre- and postintervention evaluation during the years 2018-2021 at ICU. The implementation was assessed against hand hygiene compliance guidelines, soap consumption and alcohol-based products. The impact was evaluated with the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and the annual dermatitis incidence. RESULTS: The guidelines compliance increased from 91% to 96% (p < 0.05). The total product consumption increased from 0.17 to 0.31 Liters/day/bed. The use of alcohol-based products increased by 10%. HAI rates pre- and post-intervention were for VAP 10.3 and 8.4, CRBSI 0.8 and 1.5 and CAUTI 4.2 and 5.3. The annual dermatitis incidence decreased by 30.8% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The strategy implementation benefited the decrease of VAP and the dermatitis prevention in ICU.

The Prevalence of Incontinence and Its Association With Urinary Tract Infections, Dermatitis, Slips and Falls, and Behavioral Disturbances Among Older Adults in Medicare Fee-for-Service.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of urinary (UI), fecal (FI), and dual incontinence (DI) in older adults and their association with urinary tract infections, dermatitis, slips and falls, and behavioral disturbances based on Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims data. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Data from administrative claims from the CMS Medicare Limited Data Set (5% sample) for all months in 2018 were reviewed. The analysis was limited to FFS Medicare beneficiaries, with minimum of 3-month enrollment in Parts A and B who were at least 65 years old. This cohort included 1.2 million beneficiaries in the United States. METHODS: We used diagnosis codes to identify members with incontinence and grouped these members into 3 categories (UI only, FI only, and DI). We also divided claims based on 4 sites of care (nursing home, skilled nursing facility, home health, and self- or family care). We then determined the prevalence of (1) urinary tract infections (UTIs), (2) dermatitis, (3) slips and falls, and (4) behavioral disturbances for each type of incontinence. RESULTS: We found that 11.2% of Medicare members had a claims-based diagnosis of incontinence in 2018. On average, those diagnosed with incontinence experienced 5 times more UTIs, 2 times as many dermatitis events, more than twice as many slips and falls, and 2.8 times more behavior disturbances compared to those without an incontinence diagnosis. For those with DI, the prevalence of the 4 outcomes was significantly higher (between 22% and 185%) compared to those with UI only. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show that Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed as incontinent experience a much higher prevalence of UTIs, dermatitis, slips and falls, and behavioral disturbances compared to those without a diagnosis of incontinence. Our results suggest that incontinence may be an important indicator diagnosis for multiple other conditions and, if not well-managed, may challenge the desire for those who are incontinent to age at home.

Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in the UK: an overlooked and under-reported nuisance?

BACKGROUND: Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) is a clinical disease typically caused by skin-penetrative larvae of avian schistosomes. Its geographical epidemiology is firmly tied with that of infected freshwater intermediate snail hosts. To better understand the current distribution of HCD and its level of nuisance in the UK, we undertook a systematic literature review. METHODS: Following PRIMSA guidelines, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched with keywords "human cercarial dermatitis" OR "swimmer's itch" AND "United Kingdom". Articles about imported cases of HCD, or HCD outside the UK, were not formally included. RESULTS: A total of 30 articles were initially identified. A further two were gained by inspection of all citations. After screening, eight publications were analysed where the location, number of cases and putative avian schistosome species incriminated were tabulated. HCD is mainly found in the south of England, though gaps in evidence and reporting remain across the UK. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its noted recent rise in open water swimmers, published literature on HCD across the UK is sparse; this condition is both overlooked and under-reported. We therefore recommend establishing a national database that raises awareness and encourages self-reporting of this nuisance disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic related chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: the role of masks.

BACKGROUND: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a benign, but painful inflammatory condition of the ear, characterised by a tender nodule located on the helix or antihelix. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis associated with the use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks during the pandemic. METHOD: A retrospective single-centre study was performed from February 2020 to February 2022 in the Maxillo-Facial Unit at the University Hospital of Siena, Italy. RESULTS: During the indexed period, 11 patients were affected by chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. All patients wore a mask for more than 8 hours a day, every day for several months. CONCLUSION: Although there is no certain proof of the correlation between masks and chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis, an increase in the incidence of this condition was highlighted in our single-centre experience in the pandemic period. The prolonged use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks may explain this correlation.

Pastern dermatitis outbreak associated with toxigenic and non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and non-toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans at a horse stable in Finland, 2021.

AIMS: Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans, when producing toxin, are the cause of diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening illness in humans. Horses (Equus ferus caballus) are known to be susceptible to infection that may manifest clinically on rare occasions. In late 2021 and early 2022, specimens from five horses suffering from pastern dermatitis were cultured at the Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. C. diphtheriae and/or C. ulcerans were recovered from all of these. This study aimed to (1) analyse the bacterial isolates and (2) describe the outbreak and identify possible sources of the infection and infection routes in the stable. METHODS AND RESULTS: Susceptibility testing, PCR for the tox gene, and Elek test for toxin production in PCR-positive isolates were performed. Whole genome sequencing was also conducted to achieve high-resolution strain typing. An epidemiological survey was done by means of a semi-structured interview of horses' caretaker, and contact tracing was done among people at the stable. Two tox gene-positive, toxin-producing C. diphtheriae belonged to sequence type (ST) 822. Other C. diphtheriae (n = 2, ST828) and C. ulcerans (n = 2, ST325 and ST838) isolates did not carry the tox gene. The epidemiological investigation explored numerous possible routes of transmission, but the definite source of infection was not identified. All established human contacts tested negative for diphtheriae. All horses recovered after antimicrobial treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that C. diphtheriae and C. ulcerans may readily spread among horses at the same stable and complicate pastern dermatitis infections. These potentially zoonotic bacteria can cause outbreaks even in a country with a very low prevalence. Caretakers should be encouraged to wear gloves and practice good hand hygiene when treating infected skin lesions in horses.

Equine dermatitis outbreak associated with parapoxvirus.

Parapoxviruses (PPV) cause skin and mucous membrane lesions in several animal species, and of the five recognized PPVs, at least three are zoonotic. Equine PPV (EqPPV) is the sixth one initially described in humans in the United States and later in a severely sick horse in Finland in 2013-2015. In 2021-2022, a large-scale pustulo-vesicular pastern dermatitis outbreak occurred in horses all over Finland. This study aimed at analysing the outbreak, identifying and describing the causative agent, describing clinical signs, and searching for risk factors. EqPPV was identified as a probable causative agent and co-infections with several potentially pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria were observed. Histopathologically, suppurative and ulcerative dermatitis was diagnosed. Due to the lack of specific tests for this virus, we developed a novel diagnostic EqPPV-PCR with sensitivity of 10 copies/reaction. Based on a large proportion of the genome sequenced directly from clinical samples, very little variation was detected between the sequences of the case from 2013 and the cases from 2021 to 2022. Based on an epidemiological survey, the main risk factor for pastern dermatitis was having racehorses. Approximately one third of the horses at each affected stable got clinical dermatitis, manifesting as severe skin lesions. Skin lesions were also occasionally reported in humans, indicating potential zoonotic transmission. Case stables commonly reported attendance at race events before acquiring the disease. Survey also identified differences in practises between case and control stables. Taken together, these results enable a better preparedness, diagnostics, and guidelines for future outbreaks.

An Outbreak of Paederus Dermatitis in a Suburban Hospital in Southwest China: A Report of 134 Cases and Review of Literature.

Reports of paedoptera dermatitis are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, while reports in China are rare. In September 2022, an outbreak of paedoptera dermatitis occurred in a minority autonomous county in southwestern China. Here, we report 134 patients with paedoptera dermatitis who were treated at the People's Hospital of Sandu Shui Autonomous County. The skin lesions of these patients were mostly located on the face, neck, trunk, or multiple sites. The skin lesions were mainly distributed in patches and were characterized by vesicular linear or "kissing" lesions. Most patients felt burning pain, and few patients felt pruritus. The treatments with oral antihistamines, calamine lotion, steroids, and antibiotics were effective. For patients with ocular involvement, treatments with oral prednisone and bufexamac cream were effective. All patients recovered within 2 wk. There is a possibility of another outbreak of paedoptera dermatitis in the region. Awareness of the condition and its clinical features will prevent misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and timely treatment lead to a better prognosis for paederus dermatitis. Simple preventive measures can be undertaken based on the behavioral pattern of this nocturnal beetle.

Outbreaks of dermatopathy caused by Tephrosia noctiflora intoxication in Brazilian cattle.

This study aims to update the knowledge concerning the intoxication by Tephrosia noctiflora in Brazilian cattle herds by reporting new cases of intoxication in lactating cows, their calves and bulls and highlight the epidemiology, clinical signs, pathogenesis, gross, and microscopic lesions. The morbidity and mortality of this intoxication in the farms studied was low. Gross lesions in all affected cattle consisted of dermatitis with hyperpigmentation, crusts, ulceration, erythema, and lichenification in the skin of limbs, ventral abdomen, perianal and perineal areas of lactating calves and adult cattle. Microscopically, the main lesion observed consisted of severe dermatitis with parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, papillated proliferation, and diffuse, accentuated lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate in the epidermis and dermis. The presence of skin lesions mainly in the limbs and ventral abdomen of cattle implies the pathogenesis of intoxication is related to a primary contact dermatitis, and the occurrence of similar lesions on the skin of nursing calves reinforces this hypothesis. The putative toxins of T. noctiflora have been thought to be rotenoids. Additional work is needed to define better if these compounds are the main toxin responsible for the dermatopathy observed in these herds.

Epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization in atopic dermatitis in Colombia: A retrospective analysis of data from the National Health Registry from 2015 to 2020 / Epidemiología y uso de recursos de salud en dermatitis atópica en Colombia: análisis retrospectivo de datos del Registro Nacional de Salud de 2015 a 2020

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of pruritus accompanied by itching. In Colombia, epidemiological and healthcare resource utilization information regarding this pathology is limited. Objective: To describe atopic dermatitis epidemiological characteristics and healthcare resource utilization patterns in Colombia. Material and methods: A retrospective database study using real-world data obtained from the national claims database SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) for the 2015-2020 period was carried out. Sociodemographic (age, and health services delivery), epidemiological (incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities), and healthcare resource utilization data were extracted from the SISPRO database. Results: The epidemiological results showed increased incidence and prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Colombia in the 2018-2019 period compared to 2015-2017. Accordingly, the number of medical consultations (particularly with specialists), the number of procedures, and the number of hospitalizations of patients with atopic dermatitis increased. Topic and systemic corticoids were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Conclusions: Diagnoses of atopic dermatitis in Colombia increased with a concomitant increase in healthcare resource utilization during 2015-2020, which was possibly slowed down by the arrival of the Covid-19. This study may help physicians gaining a better understanding of the disease, improving atopic dermatitis patient management.

Introducción. La dermatitis atópica, también conocida como eczema o eczema atópico, es un trastorno inflamatorio crónico de la piel caracterizado por la presencia de prurito acompañado de picor. En Colombia, la información epidemiológica y de utilización de recursos sanitarios sobre esta enfermedad es limitada. Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas y los patrones de utilización de recursos sanitarios para la dermatitis atópica en Colombia. Material y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo en el cual se utilizan datos de la práctica clínica real obtenidos del registro nacional SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) en el período 2015-2020. Se extrajeron datos sociodemográficos (incluida la edad y la prestación de servicios de salud), epidemiológicos (incluidos la incidencia, la prevalencia y las comorbilidades) y los correspondientes a la utilización de los recursos sanitarios. Resultados. Los resultados epidemiológicos han demostrado un aumento de la incidencia y prevalencia de la dermatitis atópica en Colombia en el periodo 2018-2019, en comparación con el periodo 2015-2017. Aumentó el número de consultas médicas (particularmente, con especialistas) de pacientes con dermatitis atópica, el de procedimientos y el de hospitalizaciones. Los corticoides tópicos y sistémicos fueron los medicamentos más prescritos. Conclusiones. Los diagnósticos de dermatitis atópica en Colombia aumentaron con un incremento concomitante en la utilización de recursos sanitarios durante 2015-2020, que posiblemente se vio atenuado por la llegada del Covid-19. Este estudio puede ayudar a los médicos a tener un mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad y, por lo tanto, mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con dermatitis atópica.

An unusual outbreak of dermatitis due to rodent mite infestation in an acute-care hospital.

We report an outbreak of dermatitis associated with Ornithonysus bacoti and Liponyssoides sanguineus infestation in an acute ambulatory care setting. Healthcare workers developed dermatitis prior to the identification of the outbreak. A collaborative team effort resulted in complete eradication.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Prevalence in Intensive Care Units and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a major concern among hospitals, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). PURPOSE: To describe ICU nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of IAD and to examine the relationships with IAD prevalence in the ICU setting. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used including the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Questionnaire and 1-month IAD prevalence data. RESULTS: The prevalence of IAD in ICUs was 6.89%. A positive correlation was found between IAD prevalence and nurses' IAD knowledge and attitudes. Nurses working in the ICU for more than 7 years, caring for patients at high risk for or having IAD, and thinking IAD-related nursing practices were sufficient had significantly higher IAD knowledge, attitudes, and practices. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that ICU nurses learned about IAD through clinical experience and have inadequate training on IAD. A standardized evidence-based care protocol for IAD should be developed.

Factitious dermatitis in children and adolescents is highly comorbid with psychiatric disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Factitious dermatitis (FD) is a psychocutaneous disorder characterized by self-induced skin lesions. FD is related to mental illness, but the correlation is poorly defined in the pediatric population. Our study aims to investigate the risk of psychiatric disorders diagnosed after the FD diagnosis in children and adolescents. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study over a seven-year period (2016-2022) to measure the incidence and risk ratio of psychiatric disorders in patients under age 19 years. The FD cohort was defined as patients with FD (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10-CM: L98.1); the control cohort was defined as patients who attended a regular dermatology visit by applying a diagnostic code of disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (ICD-10-CM: L00-99). RESULTS: A total of 453 patients were identified for analysis. We found that FD patients were more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder (Relative risk [RR] 7.63; P < 0.001), obsessive-compulsive disorder (RR 6.20; P < 0.001), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (RR 4.90, P < 0.001), depression (RR 2.27; p = 0.02), sleep disorder (RR 2.23; P = 0.01), impulse disorder (RR 2.20; P = 0.04), and conduct disorder (RR 2.14; P = 0.04) within 1 year following the diagnosis of FD. CONCLUSION: FD is highly comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Though some practitioners believe FD could result from experimental or recreational behavior in children and adolescents, possible underlying psychiatric disorders should never be overlooked.

A report of Bilharziella polonica cercariae in Knowsley Safari, Prescot, United Kingdom, with notes on other trematodes implicated in human cercarial dermatitis.

As part of surveillance of snail-borne trematodiasis in Knowsley Safari (KS), Prescot, United Kingdom, a collection was made in July 2021 of various planorbid (n = 173) and lymnaeid (n = 218) snails. These were taken from 15 purposely selected freshwater habitats. In the laboratory emergent trematode cercariae, often from single snails, were identified by morphology with a sub-set, of those most accessible, later characterized by cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) DNA barcoding. Two schistosomatid cercariae were of special note in the context of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD), Bilharziella polonica emergent from Planorbarius corneus and Trichobilharzia spp. emergent from Ampullacaena balthica. The former schistosomatid was last reported in the United Kingdom over 50 years ago. From cox1 analyses, the latter likely consisted of two taxa, Trichobilharzia anseri, a first report in the United Kingdom, and a hitherto unnamed genetic lineage having some affiliation with Trichobilharzia longicauda. The chronobiology of emergent cercariae from P. corneus was assessed, with the vertical swimming rate of B. polonica measured. We provide a brief risk appraisal of HCD for public activities typically undertaken within KS educational and recreational programmes.

Spectrum of comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: a 17-year retrospective study of 215 patients in Asturias, northern Spain

Background: The cause of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CN) (Winkler's disease) is unknown, but potential associations with autoimmune diseases have been suggested in case reports, however, studies with large case series are lacking. Objectives: To clarify the frequency of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (CADs), and associated gender and age distribution, in a large cohort of patients with CN. Materials & Methods: The frequency of CADs (systemic and cutaneous) was assessed in 215 patients (65.1% males and 34.9% females; median age: 69.6 years) with a histopathological diagnosis of CN (2000-2017). Endocrine diseases were not included. Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Twenty different CADs were diagnosed in 15.34% patients with CN. The most frequent were polymyalgia rheumatica (six patients), psoriasis (four patients, one with psoriatic arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (three patients), CREST syndrome (two patients), vitiligo (two patients), and chronic dermatitis (two patients). Several CADs were strongly associated with tobacco smoking. Systemic CADs were more frequent in females (OR: 3.814; CI 1.513-9.613; p = 0.005; multivariate logistic regression analysis). Differences according to age at onset were not significant. Conclusion: We characterize, for the first time, the spectrum of CADs as well as age and gender distribution in patients with CN based on the largest cohort of patients to date. The possible accumulation of different disorders that are strongly associated with tobacco smoking (Buerger's disease, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus erythematosus, and others) merits further investigation, but the rarity of some of them makes this challenging.