Cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13 concentration for diagnosis and monitoring of neurosyphilis in people with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess and compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-CXCL13 levels in People with HIV (PWH) with suspected neurosyphilis (NS), those with syphilis but without NS, and patients without treponema infection. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate changes in CSF-CXCL13 concentrations before and after antibiotic treatment. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study involving 93 PWH suspected of NS. All participants underwent lumbar puncture, with CSF-CXCL13 levels measured at baseline and during follow-up in patients diagnosed with NS. METHODS: CSF-CXCL13 levels were quantified using ELISA. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze differences between groups, while the Wilcoxon test assessed within subject changes. ROC curve analysis determined the diagnostic efficacy of CSF-CXCL13 for NS. RESULTS: Significantly higher CSF-CXCL13 levels were observed in patients with NS compared to those with syphilis without NS and non-syphilis patients. Posttreatment, a decline in CSF-CXCL13 levels was noted in all NS cases. A CSF-CXCL13 threshold exceeding 60.0 pg/ml, in conjunction with reactive CSF-FTA-ABS, yielded a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 97.6% for NS diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: CSF-CXCL13 emerges as a valuable adjunctive biomarker for detecting NS in PWH, especially in cases with nonreactive CSF-VDRL. Monitoring CSF-CXCL13 levels also appears effective in evaluating therapeutic response in PWH undergoing NS treatment.

A sad portrait of congenital syphilis in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Case report with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of scrapings from skin lesions and placenta fragment positive for Treponema pallidum

Introduction: Congenital syphilis is a serious public health problem that causes high rates of intrauterine morbidity and mortality, revealing flaws and weaknesses in the health system. Objective: to report a case of congenital syphilis in a university hospital in the Center-South Region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Case report: A pregnant woman, aged between 19 and 23 years old, carrying a Pregnant Woman's Handbook with a record of seven prenatal consultations and a note of the serological reaction for positive syphilis, but without any treatment, hospitalized at the University Hospital of Vassouras (RJ), in labor, gave birth to a newborn (NB) with a clinical picture and serological test of congenital syphilis. The NB required care in an intensive care unit and was discharged 28 days after birth. Scraping of skin lesions of the NB and placenta was performed for analysis by molecular biology (PCR in house) and genetic material of Treponema pallidum was detected. Conclusion: Congenital syphilis is a serious outcome of syphilis during pregnancy, consuming high financial resources and significant emotional distress for the mother, father, the whole family, as well as for the health teams. Our case report was the first that we are aware of in Brazil with a diagnosis by PCR for positive Treponema pallidum of skin scraping and placental fragment. It also showed poor quality prenatal care, a common factor in most cases of CS in our reality

Use of cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13 concentration for diagnosis and monitoring of neurosyphilis: a three-case report

Introduction: Previous retrospective studies have demonstrated that the concentration of chemokine ligand CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-CXCL13) is a promising biomarker in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and, additionally, in the monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Objective: To describe three cases of patients with neurosyphilis (NS) treated at Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with suspected active syphilis with neurological symptoms. Case report: Three patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were investigated for symptomatic NS. The concentration of CSF-CXCL13 was prospectively performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all participants at baseline and in follow-up visits at 3 months after therapy. CSF-CXCL13 concentrations were significantly higher in all three patients with established NS. The CSF-CXCL13 concentrations decreased after 3 months of therapy compared to baseline in all cases reported. The added high concentration of CSF-CXCL13 plus CSF-TPHA reactivity above 1:40 titer agreed with the diagnosis of NS in 100% of the cases. Conclusion: In this case series, we present three cases of NS diagnosed using CXCL13 in CSF as a complementary test. These case series suggest that the clinical use of CSF-CXCL13 is useful as a supplementary biomarker for NS and for monitoring the effectiveness of NS therapy, especially in patients with nonreactive CSF-VDRL, excluding other neurologic diseases

Disseminated dermatophytosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: literature review and presentation of clinical experience / Dermatofitose disseminada e síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida: revisão de literatura e apresentação de experiência clínica

Introduction: Dermatophytosis are very common fungal infections caused by the fungal species Microsporum, Epidermophyton or Trichophyton, which mostly affect the skin, the interdigital region, groin and scalp. Although they do not cause serious diseases, in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus the infection manifests itself and evolves exuberantly, usually with extensive and disseminated lesions. Objective: To review the literature on dermatophytosis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and to present the experience in clinical care in a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus with extensive and disseminated dermatophytosis. Methods: A literature review on the topic was carried out in the PubMed/National Library of Medicine ­ USA databases, using the keywords dermatophytosis, or dermatophytosis associated with the words AIDS, human immunodeficiency virus or immunodeficiency, from 1988­2022. The clinical experience showed a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus developing AIDS and presenting with disseminated skin lesions. Samples of the lesion were collected by scraping, which were submitted to culture and there was growth of fungi of the Trichophyton sp genus. A biopsy of the lesion was also performed using the Grocott-Gomori's Methenamine Silver stain. Results: We found 1,014 articles, of which only 34 presented a direct correlation with our paper, and were used to discuss the main themes narrated in this article. We present clinical experience in the management of a patient with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS and low adherence to antiretroviral treatment, showing extensive and disseminated erythematous-squamous lesions with a clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis, manifesting with a clinical picture usually not found in immunocompetent patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory tests with isolation of the Trichophyton sp fungus. The patient was treated with oral fluconazole, with complete remission of the clinical picture after two months. She was also thoroughly encouraged to use the prescribed antiretroviral medication correctly. Conclusion: Dermatophytosis in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus can present extensive and disseminated forms. The antifungal treatment is quite effective, with remission of the condition. Antiretroviral therapy is an important adjuvant for better recovery of the sickness.

Introdução: Dermatofitoses são infecções comuns, causadas pelas espécies fúngicas Microsporum, Epidermophyton ou Trichophyton, que acometem preferencialmente a pele da região interdigital, da virilha e do couro cabeludo. Apesar de não causar doenças graves, em pacientes portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana, a infecção se manifesta e evolui de forma exuberante, normalmente com lesões extensas e disseminadas. Objetivo: Fazer revisão de literatura sobre dermatofitose em pessoas vivendo com vírus da imunodeficiência humana e apresentar a experiência na atenção clínica em uma paciente vivendo com o vírus e dermatofitose extensa e disseminada. Métodos: A revisão de literatura sobre o tema baseou-se nos dados do Pubmed/National Library of Medicine, dos Estados Unidos, utilizando-se as palavras-chave dermatofitose, dermatofitose e AIDS, dermatofitose e vírus da imunodeficiência humana, e dermatofitose e imunodeficiência, de 1988­2022. Descreveu-se a experiência clínica na abordagem de uma paciente vivendo com vírus da imunodeficiência humana, a qual desenvolveu AIDS e apresentou lesões cutâneas disseminadas. Por raspado, foram coletadas amostras da lesão e submetidas à cultura, e constatou-se crescimento de fungos do gênero Trichophyton sp. Realizou-se também biópsia da lesão, corada pelo método da metenamina de prata de Grocott-Gomori. Resultados: Foram encontrados 1.014 artigos, dos quais apenas 34 apresentaram correlação direta com nosso trabalho, e foram utilizados para discorrer sobre os principais temas narrados neste artigo. Apresentou-se experiência clínica na abordagem de uma paciente com vírus da imunodeficiência humana/AIDS e baixa adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral, exibindo lacerações eritematoescamosas extensas e disseminadas, com diagnóstico clínico de Tinea corporis, manifestando-se com quadro clínico usualmente não encontrado em pacientes imunocompetentes. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por exames laboratoriais com isolamento do fungo Trichophyton sp. Tratada com fluconazol via oral, a paciente apresentou remissão parcial das infecções aos dois meses e completa aos seis meses. Também foi exaustivamente estimulada a usar corretamente a medicação antirretroviral prescrita. Conclusão: A dermatofitose em pacientes com vírus da imunodeficiência humana pode se apresentar de forma extensa e disseminada. O tratamento antifúngico é eficaz, com remissão do quadro. A terapia antirretroviral é importante adjuvante para melhor recuperação dos enfermos

Analysis of congenital syphilis notifications in a university hospital in the city of Niterói from 2016 to 2020 / Análise das notificações de sífilis congênita em um hospital universitário na cidade de Niterói de 2016 a 2020

Introduction: The elimination of congenital syphilis is a challenge in the field of public health worldwide. The failure of previous global plans forces authorities to rethink detection and control strategies, with compulsory notification being an important tool for obtaining data. Objective: To analyze the notifications of congenital syphilis made by Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (Department of Epidemiological Surveillance at Antônio Pedro University Hospital), between January 2016 and August 2020. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative study of data from congenital syphilis notification forms in Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro from January 2016 to August 2020. In the descriptive analysis of categorical variables, absolute and relative frequencies were used; for numerical measures, central tendency and dispersion measures were used. Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test were performed in the R software (version 4.0.3). Hills' criteria for causality were also considered. Results: Of the 67 forms examined, two were excluded due to duplication, and 48 variables were analyzed. No form was completely filled out, and some data were missing on more than 90% of them. According to maternal data, patients were mostly from Niterói (60%), had an average age of 23.09 years, and were brown (32.31%), while 13.85% did not finish 5th to 8th grade and 80% had prenatal care, but less than half had appropriate treatment indicated. As for the children: 55.38% were female, 40% brown, with an average age of 90.98 days. The great majority (72.31%) of them were born at Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, and not being born at this hospital was significant when it came to being asymptomatic (69.23%, p=0.001); the most frequent symptom was jaundice. Conclusion: Improvement in the follow-up and investigation of the reported cases can significantly decrease this high percentage of missing information, improving the quality of the data. The vast majority of patients underwent prenatal care, and therefore, they were avoidable cases, since the maternal diagnosis in the peripartum period occurs when the chance for vertical transmission has already occurred and caused consequences for the child's life.

Introdução: A eliminação da sífilis congênita é um desafio para a saúde pública mundial. A falha de planos de controle anteriores força as autoridades a repensar as estratégias, sendo a notificação compulsória ferramenta importante na obtenção de dados. Objetivo: Analisar as notificações de sífilis congênita pelo Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro no período entre janeiro de 2016 e agosto de 2020. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e quantitativo. Na análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas, foram utilizadas as frequências absolutas e relativas; já para numéricas, foram utilizadas as medidas tendência central e dispersão. Foram feitos correlação de Spearman, teste de Mann-Whitney e teste exato de Fisher com o software R (versão 4.0.3). Foram considerados os critérios de Hills para causalidade. Resultados: Das 67 fichas examinadas, duas foram excluídas por duplicidade. Foram analisadas 48 variáveis. Nenhuma ficha estava completamente preenchida, e alguns dados estavam ausentes em mais de 90%. De acordo com os dados maternos, 60% das pacientes são de Niterói, com idade de 23,09 anos em média, pardas (32,31%), 13,85% não terminou os estudos da 5ª a 8ª série e 80% fez pré-natal, porém menos da metade teve tratamento adequado indicado. Quanto às crianças, 55,38% eram do sexo feminino, 40% pardas, com idade média de 90,98 dias; 72,31% nasceram no Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. Quanto às que não nasceram nesse hospital, o local de nascimento foi significativo para que fossem assintomáticas (69,23%, p=0,001); já o sintoma mais comum foi a icterícia. Conclusão: A melhora do seguimento e investigação dos casos notificados pode diminuir significativamente essa alta porcentagem de informações ausentes, melhorando a qualidade da informação. A maioria das gestantes fez acompanhamento pré-natal e, portanto, trata-se de caso evitável, já que o diagnóstico materno no período periparto acontece quando a chance de transmissão vertical já ocorreu e já há consequências para a criança.

Molluscum Contagiosum Associated with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: Experience in HIV outpatient care and literature review / Molusco contagioso associado à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida: experiência no atendimento em ambulatório de HIV e revisão da literatura

Introduction: Molluscum contagiosum is a dermatosis caused by a DNA virus of the family Poxvirus and genus Molluscipoxvirus, affecting mainly children, sexually active adults, atopic individuals and immunocompromised patients, especially those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Objective: To describe our experience in caring for patients living with HIV who presented with extensive and severe Molluscum contagiosum, and to conduct a literature review on the subject as well. Methods: An electronic search was carried out in the MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO databases and in the books: ATLAIDS and AZULAY limited to the period of January 2017 to June 2021. Results: Four clinical cases are reported in people living with HIV with extensive lesions normally not found in immunocompetent patients. The treatment performed in the cases reported in this article was the punctual application of 90% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to each lesion, with complete remission of the clinical presentation in two patients over a period of three and six months. The other two patients did not receive treatment for molluscum contagiosum as they died because of pulmonary complications. Conclusion: Infection with Molluscum contagiosum in people living with HIV has disseminated forms with large-volume lesions, with substantial stigmatizing aesthetic impairment, and treatment with 100% TCA is quite effective.

Introdução: Molusco contagioso é uma dermatose causada por um vírus de DNA da família poxvírus e do gênero Molluscipoxvirus. Afeta principalmente crianças, adultos sexualmente ativos, indivíduos atópicos e pacientes imunodeprimidos, especialmente aqueles com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Objetivo: Descrever a experiência no atendimento de pacientes vivendo com HIV que apresentaram quadro de molusco contagioso extenso e grave, além de realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre o tema. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa eletrônica nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed e SciELO e nos livros ATLAIDS e AZULAY, limitada ao período de janeiro de 2017 a junho de 2021. Resultados: São relatados quatro casos clínicos em pessoas que vivem com HIV com lesões extensas normalmente não encontradas em pacientes imunocompetentes O tratamento realizado nos casos relatados nesse artigo foi a aplicação pontual de ácido tricloroacético (ATC) 100% em cada lesão, com a remissão completa do quadro clínico em dois pacientes em um período de tempo entre três e seis meses. Os outros dois pacientes não receberam tratamento para o vírus do molusco contagioso pois evoluíram para óbito em razão de complicações pulmonares. Conclusão: A infecção pelo molusco contagioso em pessoas vivendo com HIV apresenta formas disseminadas com lesões de grande volume, com comprometimento estético estigmatizante importante, e o tratamento com ATC 90% é bastante eficaz.

Prevalência de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 em profissionais de saúde em um Hospital Universitário no Rio de Janeiro durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em 2020 / Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare professionals at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

A soroprevalência do SARS-CoV-2 foi determinada a partir de um inquérito epidemiológico transversal realizado no Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, nos meses de outubro a novembro de 2020, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, na população de funcionários que exercia atividade laboral naquele período. A caracterização sociodemográfica foi realizada, além da análise das associações entre as variáveis de interesse ou exposição com a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2, para estabelecer quais sinais e sintomas foram de maior prevalência. Para o estudo foram coletadas amostras de sangue e utilizados ensaios imunocromatográficos (COVID-19 IgG/IgM ECO Test® e Medtest® Coronavírus (COVID-19) IgG/IgM), para detectar IgG e IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2. Um cálculo amostral obtendo-se 391 profissionais de saúde demonstrou que 173 (44,2%) indivíduos apresentaram ao menos um resultado positivo para infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. Não houve diferença significativa entre as medianas das idades dos pacientes que apresentaram infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 (mediana 40 anos, IIQ 34-53) e dos que não apresentaram infecção (mediana 39 anos, IIQ 32-49), valor de P= 0,148. Também não houve diferença entre o sexo dos profissionais com infecção e sem infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 1,02; IC 95% 0,59 ­ 1,78). Dos 173 profissionais que apresentaram infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2, 70 (40,5%) relataram sintomas relacionados à COVID-19, enquanto 41 (23,7%) profissionais relataram que não apresentaram nenhum sintoma e 62 (35,8%) não informaram sobre presença ou não de sintomas, sendo excluídos da análise. Os sintomas mais frequentemente apresentados pelos profissionais infectados foram: cefaleia 46,5% (59/127); perda de olfato 32,3% (41/127); perda de paladar 30,7% (39/127); tosse seca 27,6% (35/127); diarreia 24,4% (31/127); dores no corpo 27,6% (35/127); outros 13,4% (17/127); dores nas pernas 11,8% (15/127); tonteira 11,8% (15/127) e febre 9,4% (12/127). Estabelecer um protocolo de vigilância com um teste fácil e rápido para as políticas de COVID-19 entre os profissionais na linha de frente e atuantes na assistência é imperativo para o controle da transmissão de SARS-CoV-2 e definir critérios epidemiológicos que orientem a tomada de decisão quanto ao isolamento de profissionais infectados sintomáticos e assintomáticos.

The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was determined from a cross-sectional epidemiological survey carried out at the Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from October to November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in the population of employees who worked in that period. Sociodemographic characterization was performed in addition to the analysis of associations between the variables of interest or exposure with SARS-CoV-2 infection to establish which signs and symptoms were more prevalent. For the study, blood samples were collected and immunochromatographic assays (COVID-19 IgG/IgM ECO Test® and Medtest® Coronavirus (COVID-19) IgG/IgM) were used to detect IgG and IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2. A sample calculation obtaining 391 health professionals showed that 173 (44.2%) individuals had at least one positive result for SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no significant difference between the median ages of patients who had SARS-CoV-2 infection (median 40 years, IIQ 34-53) and those who did not have infection (median 39 years, IIQ 32-49), P value = 0.148. There was also no difference between the sex of professionals with and without SARS-COV-2 infection (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.59 ­ 1.78). Of the 173 professionals who had SARS-COV-2 infection, 70 (40.5%) reported symptoms related to COVID-19, while 41 (23.7%) professionals reported that they had no symptoms and 62 (35.8%) did not report on the presence or absence of symptoms, being excluded from the analysis. The symptoms most frequently presented by the infected professionals were: headache 46.5% (59/127); loss of smell 32.3% (41/127); loss of taste 30.7% (39/127); dry cough 27.6% (35/127); diarrhea 24.4% (31/127); body pain 27.6% (35/127); another 13.4% (17/127); leg pain 11.8% (15/127); dizziness 11.8% (15/127) and fever 9.4% (12/127). Establish a surveillance protocol with an easy and quick test for COVID-19 policies among frontline and care professionals is imperative to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and define epidemiological criteria that guide the decision-making regarding the isolation of symptomatic and asymptomatic infected professionals.

A case of Bartonella neuroretinitis with macular star diagnosed by clinical, epidemiological, serological, and molecular data: resolution after initiation of antimicrobial therapy.

The differential diagnosis of optic neuritis is broad and varied. We report the case of a 24-year-old Brazilian man who presented with five-week history of fever, malaise, myalgia, severe fatigue, tender right preauricular lymphadenopathy, and acute vision blurring associated with right optic disc swelling and exudates in a macular star pattern. His illness developed soon after an infestation of fleas broke out among his cats. Diagnosis of ocular bartonellosis was confirmed by serological and molecular analyses targeting amplification of Bartonella spp. htrA gene. Signs and symptoms only improved after initiation of antimicrobial therapy.

Secondary syphilis presenting as Syphilide psoriasiforme: lessons from the older syphilology literature.

It is essential for health care providers to be familiared with the full spectrum of clinical presentations of syphilis. We present herein a case of syphilide psoriasiforme, an uncommon but well recognized clinical presentation of secondary syphilis. A 46-year-old HIV-infected female patient was referred to our attention with a presumptive diagnosis of palmoplantar psoriasis. On examination, there were exuberant pinkish-red papules and plaques covered with a thick silvery scale in the palms, flexor surfaces of the wrists, and the medial longitudinal arches of the feet. Serological and histopathological analyses uncovered the diagnosis of syphilis. Clinical remission was obtained after treatment. A detailed review of the literature on syphilide psoriasiforme, including descriptions from older syphilology textsis provided. The present case report emphasizes the need for clinicians to have a heightened awareness of the varied and unusual clinical phenotypes of syphilis.

Correction: Hemostasis in elderly patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-Cross-sectional study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227763.].

Hemostasis in elderly patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-Cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Aging and chronic HIV infection are clinical conditions that share the states of inflammation and hypercoagulability. The life expectancy of the world population has increased in the last decades, bringing as complications the occurrence of diseases that undergoing metabolic, bone, cardiological, vascular and neurological alterations. HIV-infected patients experience these changes early and are living longer due to the success of antiretroviral therapy. The objectives of this study was to evaluate some changes in the plasma hemostatic profile of 115 HIV-reactive elderly individuals over 60 years old in the chronic phase of infection, and compare with 88 healthy uninfected elderly individuals. Plasma determinations of D-dimers, Fibrinogen, von Willebrand Factor, Antithrombin, Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, and platelet count were performed. In the HIV-reactive group, these variables were analyzed according to viral load, protease inhibitor use and CD4+ T lymphocyte values. After adjusted values for age and sex, the results showed higher levels of Antithrombin (103%; 88%, p = 0.0001) and Prothrombin Time activities (92.4%; 88.2%, p = 0.019) in the HIV group compared to the control group. We observed higher values of Fibrinogen in protease inhibitor users in both the male (p = 0.043) and female (p = 0.004) groups, and in the female HIV group with detected viral load (p = 0.015). The male HIV group with a CD4+ count> 400 cells / mm3 presented higher von Willebrand Factor values (p = 0.036). D-Dimers had higher values in the older age groups (p = 0.003; p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the elderly with chronic HIV infection with few comorbidities had a better hemostatic profile than negative control group, reflecting the success of treatment. Protease inhibitor use and age punctually altered this profile.

Study of reliability and concordance between two VDRL tests for syphilis investigation in patients with HIV followed-up at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro in 2017-2019 / Estudo de confiabilidade e concordância entre dois testes VDRL para investigação de sífilis em pacientes com HIV em acompanhamento em um hospital universitário na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, entre os anos de 2017­2019

Introduction: The laboratory diagnosis of syphilis is given by a positive treponemal test and a non-treponemal test, with VDRL (Veneral Disease Research Laboratory) being the "gold standard". Objective: To compare two tests commercially validated for biological fluids and analyzed by different operators, in order to assess their performance in detecting high (≥:8) and low (≤1:2) titrations, as well as to determine the agreement between results in paired serum samples from patients with syphilis and living with HIV. Methods: Cross-sectional study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the teaching hospital Gaffrée e Guinle (HUGG), under CAAE 66558117.0.0000.5258. The study population was composed by patients diagnosed with syphilis and confirmed by the positivity of one or more treponemal tests. All samples were analyzed simultaneously by two different operators, each using a kit: VDRL WAMA Diagnóstica®, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; VDRL Brás, Laborclin®, Pinhais, PR, Brazil. The SPSS statistical program was used. Results: 110 serum samples from patients diagnosed with syphilis treated at HUGG were analyzed. The frequency of high VDRL titrations among patients, following the VDRL criterion ≥1:8, was practically the same in both tests, with 68% in VDRL Laborclin and 69% in VDRL WAMA (p = 0.87) and VDRL ≤1:2, 80% for WAMA and 83% for Laborclin (p = 0.72). The results of VDRL were tabulated in pairs; then the Cohen's Kappa coefficient of agreement was calculated (Κ) 0.32 (95%CI 0.21­0.41; p<0.00001), as well as the weighted Kappa (Kw) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.89 (95%CI 0.84­0.92; p<0.00001). The Bland-Altman diagram was also used. We found poor agreement between the VDRL tests when results were nominally concordant, that is, with the same titles in both tests. However, if partial agreement is considered, the interpretation of the magnitude of agreement estimators was almost complete (≥0.80). Conclusion: Reliability and agreement were high between the VDRL tests of both manufacturers when considering the close titrations (up to two dilutions). Further reliability and agreement studies are essential between the non-treponemal tests available and used in Brazil.

Introdução: O diagnóstico laboratorial da sífilis é realizado por meio da positividade de um teste treponêmico e de um teste não treponêmico, sendo o VDRL (do inglês Veneral Disease Research Laboratory) o "padrão ouro". Objetivo: Comparar dois testes comercialmente validados para fluidos biológicos e analisados por operadores diferentes, com o intuito de avaliar o desempenho dos testes em detectar titulações altas (≥ :8) e baixas (≤1:2), bem como determinar a concordância entre ambos os resultados em amostras pareadas de soro de pacientes com sífilis vivendo com HIV. Métodos: Estudo transversal, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle (HUGG), sob o CAAE: 66558117.0.0000.5258. A população estudada foi a de pacientes que obtiveram o diagnóstico de sífilis confirmado por meio da positividade de um ou mais testes treponêmicos. Todas as amostras foram analisadas simultaneamente por dois operadores diferentes, cada um utilizando um kit: VDRL WAMA Diagnóstica®, São Carlos, SP, Brasil; VDRL Brás, Laborclin®, Pinhais, PR, Brasil. Utilizou-se o programa estatístico SPSS. Resultados: Foram analisadas 110 amostras de soro de pacientes com diagnóstico de sífilis atendidos no HUGG. A frequência de altas titulações de VDRL entre os pacientes, seguindo o critério de VDRL ≥1:8, foi praticamente a mesma em ambos os testes, com 68% no VDRL Laborclin e 69% no VDRL WAMA (p=0,87) e para VDRL ≤1:2, 80% para WAMA e 83% para Laborclin (p=0,72). Os resultados dos títulos de VDRL foram tabulados em pares; em seguida, foram calculados o coeficiente de concordância Kappa de Cohen (Κ) 0,32 (IC95% 0,21­0,41; p<0,00001), o Kappa ponderado (Kw) e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) 0,89 (IC95% 0,84­0,92; p<0,00001), bem como utilizado o diagrama de Bland-Altman. O estudo encontrou fraca concordância entre os testes de VDRL, se considerados os resultados nominalmente concordantes, isto é, com os mesmos títulos em ambos os testes. Entretanto, se considerado a concordância parcial, a interpretação da magnitude dos estimadores de concordância passou a ser quase completa (≥0,80). Conclusão: A confiabilidade e a concordância foram altas entre os testes de VDRL dos dois fabricantes, quando consideradas as titulações próximas (até duas diluições). Mais estudos de confiabilidade e concordância são fundamentais entre os testes não treponêmicos disponíveis e utilizados no Brasil.

A case of Bartonella neuroretinitis with macular star diagnosed by clinical, epidemiological, serological, and molecular data: resolution after initiation of antimicrobial therapy

Abstract The differential diagnosis of optic neuritis is broad and varied. We report the case of a 24-year-old Brazilian man who presented with five-week history of fever, malaise, myalgia, severe fatigue, tender right preauricular lymphadenopathy, and acute vision blurring associated with right optic disc swelling and exudates in a macular star pattern. His illness developed soon after an infestation of fleas broke out among his cats. Diagnosis of ocular bartonellosis was confirmed by serological and molecular analyses targeting amplification of Bartonella spp. htrA gene. Signs and symptoms only improved after initiation of antimicrobial therapy.

Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Yellow Fever Non-Structural Protein 1.

A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit was developed to detect non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of yellow fever virus (YFV) using monoclonal antibody. NS1 protein was purified from the cultured YFV and used to immunize mice. Monoclonal antibody to NS1 was selected and conjugated with colloidal gold to produce the YFV NS1 RDT kit. The YFV RDTs were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using positive and negative samples of monkeys from Brazil and negative human blood samples from Korea. Among monoclonal antibodies, clones 3A11 and 3B7 proved most sensitive, and used for YFV RDT kit. Diagnostic accuracy of YFV RDT was fairly high; Sensitivity was 0.0% and specificity was 100% against Dengue viruses type 2 and 3, Zika, Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses. This YFV RDT kit could be employed as a test of choice for point-of-care diagnosis and large scale surveys of YFV infection under clinical or field conditions in endemic areas and on the globe.

Palate ulcer, uvular destruction and nasal septal perforation caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in an HIV-infected patient.

Sporotrichosis is a human and animal disease caused by dimorphic pathogenic species of the genus Sporothrix. We report a dramatic presentation of Sporothrix brasiliensis infection, with destruction of the nasal septum, soft palate, and uvula of an HIV-infected woman. She was successfully treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate followed by itraconazole. Sporotrichosis remains a neglected opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS and awareness of this potentially fatal infection is of utmost importance.

Chlamydia trachomatis asymptomatic urethritis recurrence among males living with HIV-1.

A prevalence of 3.47% of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis has been previously reported among males living with HIV infection in Brazil. This study aims to assess the recurrence of C. trachomatis urethritis three years later in the same cohort of patients and analyze associated risk factors. A total of 115 male patients diagnosed with HIV infection, with no symptoms of urethritis and observed since May of 2015 in followup visits were enrolled. They had urine samplers tested by PCR for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae between February and March 2018. Results: Three of the four patients who had asymptomatic C. trachomatis urethritis three years before were recurrently positive for C. trachomatis urethritis. Two new patients were diagnosed as positives, accounting for a total asymptomatic C. trachomatis urethritis prevalence of 4.34%. The prevalence during the whole study was 5.21%. The relative risk for a new urethritis episode among those previously diagnosed with urethritis is RR=41.62 (95% CI: 9.42-183.84), p < 0.01. Patients who presented asymptomatic urethritis anytime and who were recurrently positive for C. trachomatis had a lower mean age (p<0.01). Married individuals were protected regarding asymptomatic urethritis [p<0.01, OR = 0.04 (0.005-0.4)] and had lower risk to develop recurrence [p<0.01, RR = 0.86 (0.74-0.99)]. Illicit drugs users had risk associated to asymptomatic urethritis [p=0.02, OR= 5.9 (1.03-34)] and higher risk to develop recurrence [p<0.01, RR=1.1 (1-1.22)]. Conclusion: The recurrence of asymptomatic C. trachomatis urethritis after treatment among males living with HIV infection in Brazil can be considered high and should not be neglected.

Relato da experiência da realização de pequenos procedimentos em dermatologia em Hospital Universitário / Report of the experience of small procedures in dermatology at University Hospital

Modelo do estudo: Cohort. Objetivos: Relatar a experiência do setor de Pequenos Procedimentos em Dermatologia do Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, determinando os diagnósticos, tipos de tratamentos e resolutividade. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo, observacional, por meio da coleta de dados dos pacientes do Programa de Saúde da Família da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro encaminhados para a realização de pequenos procedimentos em dermatologia, durante um período de 31 semanas. Resultados: Foram atendidos 884 pacientes. As lesões benignas representaram 77,5% dos diagnósticos clínicos e as malignas 22,5%. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram de cisto (133) e carcinoma basocelular (128). Os procedimentos mais realizados foram a excisão e sutura simples (337) e a retirada de lesão por shaving mais eletrocoagulação (161). No total, 98,3% dos procedimentos foram de cirurgia dermatológica básica e 1,7% dos casos necessitaram de procedimentos avançados. Além disso, 90,8% dos pacientes foram operados no dia do primeiro atendimento e 3,7% precisaram ser encaminhados para outras especialidades cirúrgicas. Conclusão: Um serviço de cirurgia dermatológica estruturado para a realização de pequenos procedimentos, em caráter ambulatorial, permite prover atendimento resolutivo à grande maioria dos pacientes com essa necessidade. (AU)

Study design: Cohort study. Objectives: To report the experience of the Small Procedures Division, Dermatology Department, at Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, including a description of diagnoses, types of treatment, and efficacy. Methods: This is a prospective, observational study that consisted of data compilation of patients referred from the primary Family Health Program, Local Health Department, to an University Hospital for the performance of small dermatological procedures, encompassing a period of 31 weeks. Results: Overall, 884 patients underwent procedures. Benign lesions comprised 77.5% of the clinical diagnoses, while malignant lesions constituted 22.5%. The most frequent diagnoses were cyst (133) and basal cell carcinoma (128). The most commonly performed procedures were simple excision and suture (337) and lesion removal through shaving plus electrocoagulation (161). 98.3% of the procedures consisted of basic dermatological surgeries and 1.7% of the cases required advanced procedures. In addition, 90.8% of the patients were operated on the first day of care, on the other hand 3.7% were referred to other surgical specialties. Conclusion: A Dermatologic Surgery Department structured to perform small outpatient procedures provides efficacious care to the vast majority of referred patients (AU)