From periphery to center, untold story of pure neuritic leprosy: an electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND: Pure neuritic leprosy (PNL) is uncommon form of leprosy involving peripheral nerves. Some isolated case reports have shown imaging changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and also impairment in visual evoked potential (VEP), somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and brain stem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs) parameters in PNL, but there is lack of large study. This prospective observational study evaluates impairment in these central conduction studies among PNL patients. METHODS: We screened patients with leprosy presenting with features of neuropathy and/or thickened nerves. Patients with bacilli-positive nerve biopsies were included in the study and subjected to routine tests along with nerve conduction study (NCS), VEP, tibial SSEP and BAEPs. Parameters of these studies were analyzed based on data from previous studies. RESULTS: Of 76 patients screened for PNL 49 had positive findings in biopsy. Most of patients were male and mean age group was 46.35 ± 15.35 years. Mononeuritis multiplex was most common NCS pattern in 46.93% (23/49) patients. We found abnormal VEP in 13 out of 35 patients (37.14%). Similarly abnormal SSEP and BAEPs among 42.85% and 40% patients respectively. DISCUSSION: This study shows that in PNL significant number of patients have subclinical CNS involvement. Exact pathophysiology of CNS involvement is not known till now but study of VEP, SSEP and BAEPs parameter may help in early diagnosis of PNL.

Falknor's needling method as a potential immunotherapy in palmo-plantar warts.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Treatment of palmoplantar warts is a challenge for dermatologists. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of Falknor's needling method in palmoplantar warts. METHODS: In an open, nonrandomized study, the index wart of eligible patients was punctured several times with a 26-gauge needle to produce a "beefy" red wound. Patients were followed up to 6 months. RESULTS: Out of 82 patients, complete resolution occurred in 58 (70.7%) and partial response in 5 (6.1%) patients. Nine (10.9%) patients developed secondary infection. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, No comparison group. CONCLUSION: Falknor's needling method provides a high rate of complete resolution after a single treatment session. It is easy to perform and is cost effective.

Whole genome sequence of the rifamycin B-producing strain Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699.

Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699 is an actinomycete that produces an important antibiotic, rifamycin B. Semisynthetic derivatives of rifamycin B are used for the treatment of tuberculosis, leprosy, and AIDS-related mycobacterial infections. Here, we report the complete genome sequence (10.2 Mb) of A. mediterranei S699, with 9,575 predicted coding sequences.