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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Prevalence of asymptomatic urethritis by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and associated risk factors among males living with HIV-1.

OBJECTIVES: The increase in HIV transmissibility in non-ulcerative sexually transmitted infection is already well-established. It is estimated that symptomatic carriers of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis have a relative risk of 4.8-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively, for the sexual acquisition of HIV. This type of evaluation for asymptomatic urethritis is necessary to reinforce strategies to combat HIV transmission. This study aims to assess the prevalence of patients with asymptomatic urethritis among men diagnosed with HIV-1 and determine the risk factors associated with this infection. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 115 male patients aged 18 years or older who have been diagnosed with HIV infection and have no symptoms of urethritis or other sexually transmitted infections and who have been evaluated between May and August 2015 in a follow-up visit at the Immunology Outpatient Clinic of a Brazilian University Hospital. RESULTS: Four asymptomatic patients were positive for C. trachomatis and were considered asymptomatic carriers of urethritis. Prevalence was 3.47%. Patients who were positive for C. trachomatis urethritis had a lower mean age (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The presence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection is a challenge in clinical practice. We recommend that, in outpatient practice, the habit of inquiring on previous sexual behavior to obtain more information about risks and associations with asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection, a routine physical examination and complementary tests to detect STI pathogens should be performed to discard these conditions. The development of rapid tests for this purpose should also be encouraged.

Facial botryomycosis-like pyoderma in an HIV-infected patient: remission after initiation of darunavir and raltegravir.

Botryomycosis is an uncommon, chronic, suppurative, bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It has long been associated with defects of cellular immunity. We report a 28-year-old woman who presented with a chronic, ulcerated lesion with draining sinuses in the right malar region. Predisposing factors were HIV infection with poor immunological control, alcoholism, and a previous trauma to the right cheek. Several courses of antimicrobial therapy provided only partial and temporary remission. Complete clinical remission was only achieved 5 years later when a novel antiretroviral regimen composed of darunavir and raltegravir was initiated.

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

Laryngeal paracoccidioidomycosis presenting as solitary true vocal fold disease.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis or P. lutzii. It is a neglected tropical infectious disease that poses a major public health burden in endemic areas of Latin America. Mucosae of the upper digestive and respiratory tracts are commonly involved and many patients have disease at multiple mucosal sites, with or without lung involvement. Mucosal PCM presenting as solitary true vocal fold disease is relatively rare. We present the case of a 67-year-old Brazilian forest guard who presented with a 6-month history of hoarseness and globus pharyngeus due to a solitary left true vocal fold infiltration and vegetation diagnosed as PCM. Silent pulmonary disease was also present. A laryngoscopy video is offered as supplemental material to this report. He completely remitted after surgical removal and amphotericin B deoxycholate treatment.

A case of chikungunya virus disease presenting with remarkable acute arthritis of a previously damaged finger joint.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arthritogenic alphavirus that has recently been introduced to Brazil. We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient from the City of Rio de Janeiro who developed molecularly-confirmed CHIKV disease and whose clinical picture was remarkable because of acute arthritis of an interphalangeal joint that had been damaged by trauma 8 years previously. This case illustrates that acute CHIKV disease may preferentially target previously damaged joints. Careful study of individual cases may provide valuable information on the presentation and management of this emerging zoonosis in Brazil.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Association between antiretrovirals and thyroid diseases: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of thyroid diseases and anti-TPO status. We searched for an association among presence of immune reconstitution and use of stavudine, didanosine and protease inhibitors with thyroid diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to analyze the records of 117 HIV-infected patients who had their CD4+ cell count, viral load, anti-TPO, TSH and free T4 levels collected on the same day. Immune reconstitution was considered in those whose T CD4+ count was below 200 cells/mm3, but these values increased above 200 cells/mm3 after the use of antiretrovirals. The odds ratio obtained by a 2x2 contingency table and a chi-square test were used to measure the association between categorical variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of thyroid disease was 34.18%; of these, 4.34% were positive for anti-TPO. There was an association of risk between stavudine use and subclinical hypothyroidism (OR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.29 to 13.59, X2 = 6.37, p = 0.01). Immune reconstitution achieved protection associated with thyroid disease that was near statistical significance OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.04, X2 = 3.55, p = 0.059. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of thyroid disease in the sample studied was higher than what had been found in the literature, with a low positive anti-TPO frequency. The historical use of stavudine has an association of risk for the presence of subclinical hypothyroidism, and immune reconstitution has trends towards protection for the presence of thyroid diseases.

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.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Simulating Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Pyoderma gangrenosum received this name due to the notion that this disease was related to infections caused by bacteria in the genus Streptococcus. In contrast to this initial assumption, today the disease is thought to have an autoimmune origin. Necrotizing fasciitis was first mentioned around the fifth century AD, being referred to as a complication of erysipelas. It is a disease characterized by severe, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection, which causes necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and the fascia. On the third day of hospitalization after antecubital venipuncture, a 59-year-old woman presented an erythematous and painful pustular lesion that quickly evolved into extensive ulceration circumvented by an erythematous halo and accompanied by toxemia. One of the proposed etiologies was necrotizing fasciitis. The microbiological results were all negative, while the histopathological analysis showed epidermal necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of dermal neutrophils. Pyoderma gangrenosum was considered as a diagnosis. After 30 days, the patient was discharged with oral prednisone (60 mg/day), and the patient had complete healing of the initial injury in less than two months. This case was an unexpected event in the course of the hospitalization which was diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum associated with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Highly aggressive squamous cell carcinoma in an HIV-infected patient.

Unusually aggressive forms of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are being increasingly recognized as a complication of HIV infection. We report the case of a 59-year-old male patient with advanced HIV infection who presented with a highly aggressive SCC lesion over the scalp area with destruction of the underlying parietal bone and fulminant clinical progression.

Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis/HIV Coinfection Presented as a Diffuse Desquamative Rash.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease that is endemic in tropical areas and in the Mediterranean. This condition spreads to 98 countries in four continents, surpassing 12 million infected individuals, with 350 million people at risk of infection. This disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, with various animal reservoirs, such as rodents, dogs, wolves, foxes, and even humans. Transmission occurs through a vector, a sandfly of the genus Lutzomyia. There are three main clinical forms of leishmaniasis: visceral leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. The wide spectrum of nonvisceral forms includes: localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, a papular lesion that progresses to ulceration with granular base and a large framed board; diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis; mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, which can cause disfiguring and mutilating injuries of the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Leishmaniasis/HIV coinfection is considered an emerging problem in several countries, including Brazil, where, despite the growing number of cases, a problem of late diagnosis occurs. Clinically, the cases of leishmaniasis associated with HIV infection may demonstrate unusual aspects, such as extensive and destructive lesions. This study aims to report a case of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis/HIV coinfection with atypical presentation of diffuse desquamative eruption and nasopharyngeal involvement.