Clinical and mycological spectrum of cutaneous candidiasis in Bombay.

A total of 150 patients with cutaneous candidiasis were studied. A detailed clinical history was taken. Scrapings were examined in 10% KOH, and the material cultured on Sabouraud's agar. Species were identified by the serum germ tube test, sugar fermentation and sugar assimilation tests. Of 150 patients 79 were females. The commonest presentation was intertrigo (75), vulvovaginitis (19) and paronychia (17). A history of chronic exposure to water was obtained in 94 cases, all had erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica and/or paronychia. Diabetes melltius as a predisposing factor was observed in 22 patients. The 10 cases of balanoposthitis had associated diabetes mellitus. Smear and culture were positive in all the patients. C. albicans was isolated in 136 cases, C. tropicalis in 12, and C. guillermondi in 2. The cultures of C. albicans had positive serum germ tube test. The 6 patients in the paediatric age group having perianal/genital involvement had a stools culture positive for C. albicans.

Thalidomide in leprosy--study of 94 cases.

Thalidomide has a beneficial effect on type II Lepra reaction especially chronic and recurrent reaction. It helps to minimise steroid dependency. Thalidomide was given to 94 cases of type II lepra reaction, who had not responded to steroids or had repeated reactions. This clinical data was analysed regarding clinical improvement, relapse of reaction, side effects of the drug, etc. The analysis showed that all the patients improved remarkably and steroids could be withdrawn. If the competence of staff using this drug is enhanced, morbidity due to leprosy can considerably be reduced.