COVID 19 vaccination as a trigger of acute genital ulcers in an immunocompromised adolescent-case study and literature review.

Acute genital ulcers can affect females of all ages. In children, they often appear as an emergency and remain a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians, gynecologists and dermatologists. Prompt diagnosis and identification of disease- related factors help to implement appropriate treatment. Firstly, it is crucial to properly compile the past medical history of the patient. Past infectious, autoimmune, malignant or traumatic conditions, as well as vaccinations may contribute to the occurrence of acute genital ulcers. Moreover, new infectious agents, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and vaccinations against Coronavirus disease of 2019, may play a significant role in the development of atypical clinical symptoms. Here we present a case of a 12-year-old girl with acute genital ulcers. Additional symptoms accompanying the ulcer included: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dysuria, vulvar pain and fever. Blood test showed leukocytosis, especially neutrophilia and monocytosis and increased levels of c-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Serological tests for the most common infections were negative. Moreover, the patient had a history of autoimmune diseases. She had periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome, and IgA vasculitis, also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura in her past medical history. Additionally, she was vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 shortly before the lesions appeared.

[Management of sexually transmitted diseases in primary care (II). Genital ulcers. Vulvovaginitis. Human papilloma virus]. / Manejo en atención primaria de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (II). Lesión ulcerada genital. Vulvovaginitis. Virus del papiloma humano.

In this paper we approach three clinical syndromes with different microbial agents that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STD) with a common condition: the symptomatology is in the genital area. Some of these microbial agents are transmitted strictly sexually, but not all. In this section we will discuss about vulvovaginitis, genital ulcers and human papilloma virus, three syndromes which have increased their incidence in recent years and primary care must know its management: diagnosis, correct treatment, controls, and study of sexual contacts. The optimal approach is as important as knowing how to recommend prevention of STD, contact study and screening for other infections that can be present at the same time although asymptomatically.

Acute Genital Ulceration After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccination and Infection.

Reactive, nonsexually related acute genital ulceration, also known as Lipschütz ulcer, is a nonsexually related ulceration involving the vulva, most commonly affecting girls and adolescent women in response to infection. Herein, we describe 3 female patients with acute genital ulceration occurring after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination or natural infection.

HSV-infection-related herpetic anogenital ulcer disease among PLWH in southeastern US: electronic medical record based analysis.

ObjectivesThe southeastern US is a domestic epicentre for incident HIV with high prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) coinfection. We estimated the incidence rates (IR) of symptomatic herpetic anogenital ulcer disease (HAUD) and assessed its associations with demographic and clinical characteristics, specifically with immunological markers using median, nadir and trajectory CD4 counts. METHODS: Electronic medical records (EMR) of over 7000 people living with HIV (PLWH) attending one of the leading HIV clinics in the southeastern US between 2006 and 2018 were reviewed and analysed. IR of HSV-related HAUD were estimated per 10 000 person years. Joinpoint regressions were performed to examine temporal changes in the trends of IR. All IR and trends were stratified by gender and race. Six CD4 trajectory groups were constructed using the group-based trajectory modelling. Multivariable logistic models were conducted to assess the associations of CD4 counts (nadir, median CD4 and newly defined CD4 trajectory), separately with HAUD. RESULTS: Of the 4484 PLWH eligible individuals (3429 men, 1031 women and 24 transgender), we observed 425 patients with HSV-related HAUD. The mean log10viral load was higher in HAUD than HAUD-free groups, whereas the median nadir CD4 count (cells/uL) was higher in the non-cases than the case groups (p<0.05). HAUD were more frequent in women than men. Median CD4 (<200 cell/uL) was associated with HAUD (OR=2.1), but there were no significant associations with nadir CD4. Significant associations with declining and sustained low CD4 counts trajectory patterns were observed with HAUD. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences between men and women with incident HAUD among PLWH. EMR-based studies can provide innovative trajectory models that can potentially be helpful in guiding screening and clinical care of HAUD among high-risk PLWH.

Infectious disorders of the vulva.

The vulva can be affected by a variety of sexually transmitted infections as well as other common infections that are not typically related to sexual transmission. Vulvar infections may adversely affect the quality of life of the patients by causing discomfort and pain. Some of these infections, especially the ulcerative ones, may also increase the risk of transmission of other infectious diseases, including HIV. Due to the recently increasing number of sexually transmitted infections and atypical presentations of these infections in immunocompromised patients, it is important for pathologists to be familiar with histopathologic features of the infectious diseases of the vulva, so that accurate diagnoses can be rendered as promptly as possible. This review discusses the clinicopathologic presentations of the non-HPV related infections of the vulva.

The changing epidemiology of genital ulcer disease in South Africa: has donovanosis been eliminated?

OBJECTIVES: We used an in-house molecular assay for the detection of Klebsiella granulomatis in ulcer specimens collected over a 12-year surveillance period in order to determine whether a diagnosis of donovanosis could be ascribed to genital ulcer disease (GUD) of unknown aetiology in our setting. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2018, a total of 974 genital ulcer specimens with no previously identified sexually transmitted (STI) pathogens were selected from STI aetiological surveys conducted in all nine provinces of South Africa. Giemsa-stained ulcer smears from the same participants had previously been routinely analysed for the presence of typical Donovan bodies within large mononuclear cells. A Klebsiella screening assay targeting the phoE (phosphate porin) gene was used in combination with restriction digest analysis and sequencing to confirm the presence of K. granulomatis. RESULTS: The Klebsiella screening assay tested positive in 19/974 (2.0%) genital ulcer specimens. Restriction digest analysis and nucleotide sequencing of the phoE gene confirmed that none of these specimens was positive for K. granulomatis DNA. Similarly, Donovan bodies were not identified in the Giemsa stained ulcer smears of these specimens. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to assess K. granulomatis as a cause of genital ulceration in South Africa over a 12-year surveillance period using molecular methods. The results demonstrate that K. granulomatis is no longer a prevalent cause of GUD in our population.

Lipschütz's acute vulvar ulcer: a systematic review.

In previously healthy subjects, vulvar ulcers are mostly caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms. Lipschütz's acute vulvar ulceration, first reported in 1912, is a non-sexually acquired condition characterized by sudden onset of a few genital ulcers. We systematically review presentation, underlying causes, and disease duration of Lipschütz's ulceration. A comprehensive source of Excerpta Medica, National Library of Medicine, and Web of Science databases was performed. Reports including cases of apparently previously healthy females affected by Lipschütz's ulceration were selected. A predefined database was used to extract data on demographics, history, clinical and microbiological findings, and treatment.The search disclosed 158 cases. Almost 90% of cases were ≤ 20 years of age and sexually inactive. Lesions were usually one to about three, painful, ≥ 10 mm large, well-delimited, with a fibrinous and necrotic center and a symmetric distribution. Voiding disorders and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes were observed in a large subset of cases. Canker sores were noted in 10% of patients. Lipschütz's vulvar ulceration occurred concomitantly with an infectious disease in 139 cases. Infectious mononucleosis syndrome (N = 40) was the most frequently detected well-defined infection, followed by mycoplasma species infections (N = 11). The disease resolved after ≤ 3 weeks.Conclusions: Lipschütz's ulceration mainly affects both sexually inactive and, less frequently, sexually active subjects ≤ 20 years of age, presents with ≤ 3 vulvar ulcers, resolves without recurrences within 3 weeks and is temporarily associated with an infection, most frequently a flu-like illness or an infectious mononucleosis syndrome. What is Known: • Lipschütz's acute vulvar ulceration is a non-sexually acquired condition, which is characterized by a sudden onset of a few necrotic and painful genital ulcers. • The condition tends to resolve spontaneously and is usually triggered by an infection. What is New: • The condition mainly affects subjects ≤ 20 years of age, tends to resolve within 3 weeks, and is usually temporarily associated with a flu-like illness or an infectious mononucleosis syndrome. • Systemic corticosteroids do not reduce disease duration.

Genital Aphthous Ulcers and a Case of Suspected Chikungunya: A Short Clinical Case.

Genital aphthous ulcers can result from multiple conditions including febrile syndromes. Chikungunya infection manifests mainly as fever accompanied by polyarthralgia and pruritic rash. Nevertheless, healthcare providers should be alert to additional presentations. This is the case of a young woman presenting with painful genital ulcers after a three day prodome of fever and polyarthralgia. As a suspected case of Chikungunya infection and a clinical diagnosis of aphthae, treatment with oral prednisone for two weeks produced complete resolution of ulcers with no scarring. It is important to recognize that genital aphthous ulcers can develop in a febrile presentation such as that with Chikungunya. Although sexually transmitted diseases should be ruled out as a more common diagnosis in cases of genital lesions, knowledge about this unusual dermatological presentation would represent not only adequate prompt treatment but will minimize equivocal diagnosis as a sexually transmitted disease.

Epidemiology of Haemophilus ducreyi Infections.

The global epidemiology of Haemophilus ducreyi infections is poorly documented because of difficulties in confirming microbiological diagnoses. We evaluated published data on the proportion of genital and nongenital skin ulcers caused by H. ducreyi before and after introduction of syndromic management for genital ulcer disease (GUD). Before 2000, the proportion of GUD caused by H. ducreyi ranged from 0.0% to 69.0% (35 studies in 25 countries). After 2000, the proportion ranged from 0.0% to 15.0% (14 studies in 13 countries). In contrast, H. ducreyi has been recently identified as a causative agent of skin ulcers in children in the tropical regions; proportions ranged from 9.0% to 60.0% (6 studies in 4 countries). We conclude that, although there has been a sustained reduction in the proportion of GUD caused by H. ducreyi, this bacterium is increasingly recognized as a major cause of nongenital cutaneous ulcers.

Painful and multiple anogenital lesions are common in men with Treponema pallidum PCR-positive primary syphilis without herpes simplex virus coinfection: a cross-sectional clinic-based study.

BACKGROUND: Chancres, the hallmark of primary syphilis, are classically described as single, painless ulcers at the site of Treponema pallidum inoculation. We aimed to determine the frequency of painful or multiple anogenital lesions of primary syphilis among men, whether there was concurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and whether HIV status altered clinical presentations. METHODS: This study was conducted among men with T. pallidum PCR-positive lesions, attending a clinic in Melbourne, Australia, between 2009 and 2014. Lesions were also tested with HSV PCR, and syphilis serology undertaken. RESULTS: 183 men with T. pallidum PCR-positive primary anogenital lesions were included. 89% were men who have sex with men, and 10.9% were heterosexual. 38 men (20.8%) were HIV positive. Anal lesions were more common in HIV-positive men (34.2%) than in HIV-negative men (11.6%). Primary lesions were frequently painful (49.2%) or multiple (37.7%), and infrequently associated with HSV (2.7%). Of 37 men with both painful and multiple primary lesions, only 8% had concurrent HSV. Presentation was not significantly altered by HIV status. CONCLUSIONS: Primary syphilis lesions are often painful and/or multiple in the absence of herpes coinfection, and may be clinically misdiagnosed.

Tinea genitalis: a new entity of sexually transmitted infection? Case series and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation on recent cases of tinea genitalis after travelling to South East Asia. METHODS: Patients with tinea in the genital region, which emerged after sex in South East Asia, underwent further assessment including microscopy, cultures and DNA analyses. RESULTS: The case series includes seven patients. In six patients, Trichophyton interdigitale (former Trichophyton mentagrophytes) was detected. Three patients suffered from a severe inflammatory reaction of the soft tissue and two of them needed hospitalisation due to severe pain. In four patients, cicatrising healing was noticed. Five patients were declared incapacitated for work. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual activity should be considered as a potentially important and previously underappreciated means of transmission of T. interdigitale. To avoid irreversible scarring alopecia, prompt initiation of antifungal treatment is essential and adequate isolation and identification of the pathogen is mandatory.

Epstein-Barr virus: dermatologic associations and implications: part I. Mucocutaneous manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus and nonmalignant disorders.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus that has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases, many of which have mucocutaneous manifestations. As a member of the herpesviridae family, EBV causes lifelong infection by establishing latency in B lymphocytes. An intact immune response is critical in preventing progression of EBV disease, and the clinical manifestations of infection are dependent on the intricate relationship between virus and host immune system. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic testing in EBV infection. In part I of this continuing medical education article, the mucocutaneous manifestations of EBV infection are reviewed with an emphasis on pathophysiology and management.

Noninfectious genital ulcers.

Noninfectious genital ulcers are much more common than ulcers arising from infections. Still, it is important to take a thorough history of sexual activity and a sexual abuse screen. A physical exam should include skin, oral mucosa, nails, hair, vulva, and vaginal mucosa if needed. The differential diagnosis of noninfectious genital ulcers includes: lipschütz ulcers, complex aphthosis, Behçet's syndrome, vulvar metastatic Crohn's disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, pressure ulcers, and malignancies. It is important to come to the correct diagnosis to avoid undue testing, stress, and anxiety in patients experiencing genital ulcerations.

Lipschütz ulcers due to SARS-CoV-2 infection: a neglected diagnosis in emergency room.

Background: Primary acute genital ulcers, or Lipschütz ulcers (LU), are nonsexually transmitted, painful, self-limiting, nonrecurrent vulvar ulcers with unclear pathogenesis, representing a challenging diagnosis in emergency setting. LU have recently been described in association with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe 2 cases of LU due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the diagnostic process, differential diagnosis, disease course, and management options. Methods: We describe 2 young females (12 and 9 years old) who presented to pediatric emergency room with the sudden onset of well-demarcated, painful, vulvar ulcers with fibrinous necrotic center. Results: Both patients tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab, and, at physical examination, no other lesions were found in other cutaneous or mucosal sites. Sexual abuse was excluded in both cases, as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases. Supportive analgesic therapy was administered, and complete remission of lesions was observed at follow-up visits without evidence of scarring. Limitations: The main limitation of this work is represented by the small number of cases described. Conclusion: Even though extremely rare, LU related to COVID-19 are an emerging entity to be considered in the diagnosis of acute genital ulcerations. Multidisciplinary diagnostic workup of genital ulcers must be established in order to exclude sexual child abuse, to ensure patient safety, and to avoid unnecessary treatment and familial anxiety.

Acute Genital Ulcers in a Woman Secondary to COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report.

Acute genital ulcers (AGU) have been associated with various pathogens, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). However, cases of AGU associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are rare, and this disease significantly impairs human quality of life. In this case, we report a 37-year-old woman who presented with a five-day history of a painful genital ulcer and fever. A month earlier, she had experienced a COVID-19 infection that resolved without medical therapy. Physical examination revealed that multiple asymmetric ulcers presented on labia minora covered with whitish exudates. The patient, without any high-risk sexual behavior, or a personal or family history of autoimmune disorders or inflammatory bowel disease, was diagnosed with COVID-19-related AGU after ruling out other infectious and immune diseases. Following a two-week treatment of oral prednisone, her vulvar edema, ulcers, and fever improved significantly. This case suggests that AGU may be triggered by a COVID-19 infection.

Neuro-Behçet's Syndrome Without Genital Ulcers: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Behçet's disease is a rare multisystemic vasculitis characterized by oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and skin and ocular lesions. Neuro-Behçet's syndrome is a condition in which individuals with Behçet's disease experience neurological symptoms that cannot be attributed to other neurological diseases. We present a rare case of neuro-Behçet's syndrome with acute internuclear ophthalmoplegia and deteriorating neurological function with a prior history of recurrent oral ulcers with pathergy-like features, acneiform papulopustular rash, retinal hemorrhages, and recurrent epididymitis without genital ulcers. Patient improved with cyclophosphamide. This case underscores the importance of diagnosing and managing neuro-Behçet's syndrome in the absence of genital ulcers.

Behcet's-like disease induced by secukinumab in a patient with psoriasis: a case report and literature review.

Purpose: The incidence of cutaneous paradoxical reactions associated with IL-17 inhibitors has gained attention in recent literature. Our report aims to investigate the characteristics of one rare paradoxical reaction, presenting as Behcet's disease.Methods: We reported one case of Behcet's-like disease induced by secukinumab in a patient with psoriasis. This patient, a young woman with a long history of psoriasis, showed significant improvement in her psoriatic condition after receiving four doses of secukinumab. Unexpectedly, she developed symptoms such as high fever, painful oral and genital ulcers, facial maculopapules, and erythema nodosum-like lesions on her lower limbs. Despite neutrophilia, there was no evidence of infection found in her laboratory tests. Histological analysis of a skin biopsy highlighted subcutaneous panniculitis and a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate in the dermis. The patient was consequently diagnosed with secukinumab-induced Behcet's-like disease. Additionally, we have reviewed nine other documented cases of Behcet's-like disease triggered by IL-17 inhibitors.Results: This group showed no significant gender preference, suffering from conditions such as psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Oral and genital ulcers were prevalent among the paradoxical reactions noted. Marked improvement was observed in all patients upon discontinuation of the IL-17 inhibitors.Conclusions: Our report serves to alert physicians to this uncommon but significant paradoxical effect that may arise with anti-IL-17 treatment.

Recurrent Oral Ulcers: Are They Horses or Zebras?

Oral ulcers are one of the most common complaints seen by general practitioners in their offices. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis affects roughly 20% of the general population. When ulcers persist despite conventional treatment, it is crucial to consider systemic diseases such as Behçet's disease to prevent delays in care. Early recognition and appropriate management of underlying conditions are essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. We present a case of a 41-year-old Scottish male who came in with complaints of recurrent oral ulcers and oral thrush. Initial treatment by an infectious disease specialist resolved the oral thrush but not the ulcers. Despite further treatment attempts for three years, including biopsy and antiviral therapy, ulcers persisted. Finally, referral to rheumatology led to comprehensive autoimmune testing, revealing positive HLA B51 and a diagnosis of Behçet's disease. Treatment with topical steroids and colchicine yielded significant improvement.