"Getting to Zero New HIV Infections in the Caribbean": Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Male Circumcision Among Adolescent Males in The Bahamas.

Male circumcision (MC) plays a significant role in reducing new HIV infections, particularly in high prevalence countries. This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of MC and attitudes toward MC among youth aged 15-18 years in The Bahamas, a medium HIV prevalence country. The survey included 797 young men who completed a questionnaire on MC. Data analyses included chi-squared tests. The self-reported prevalence of MC among youth was 16.7% (121/759). Most of the circumcised youth were circumcised as infants, 84% (107/121) were pleased with their circumcision, and 71% would recommend it to others. For uncircumcised youth, 35% (189/533) would consider voluntary male circumcision (VMC) and 26% would recommend MC to others. In all scenarios, circumcised youth were more likely to be positive about MC. Among uncircumcised young men, being older (17-18 years compared to 15-16 years) was the only variable statistically associated with considering MC or recommending MC. After being presented with information on the benefits of MC for HIV prevention, the number of men who were positive about MC increased. Most of the young men in this cohort would consider VMC for reducing HIV incidence. Also, many stated that, if they had a male child, they would have him circumcised. The attitudes of these youth emphasize the need to provide information on HIV in addition to general health benefits of MC if there were to be a sustainable MC program within this population.

Intracranial tuberculomas: an unusual cause of altered mental status in a pediatric patient.

A 2-year-old boy was brought to the Emergency Department (ED) with a complaint of 3-week history of increasing lethargy, weight loss, intermittent low grade fever, and right-sided tremor. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head, ordered by the patient's pediatrician, was interpreted as abnormal and the patient was referred to the ED for further evaluation. Physical examination was remarkable for somnolence requiring tactile stimulation to arouse the patient. Neurologic examination revealed right-sided choreoathetosis and unsteady gait. A contrast CT scan of the head demonstrated multiple ring-enhancing lesions throughout the brain and mild to moderate third and lateral ventricular enlargement. In view of the positive purified protein derivative test, chest X-ray study, and gastric aspirates positive for tuberculosis, a diagnosis of intracranial tuberculomas was made. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of intracranial tuberculomas are reviewed.