Sexualised drug use and chemsex in Italy: A questionnaire study based on a cohort of clients attending a STI outpatient service in Milan.

BACKGROUND: Chemsex is a heterogeneous phenomenon with differences in distribution, setting, motivations and type of substances consumed between countries. The lack of data at national level of the Italian situation creates a perception of reduced need for intervention. METHODS: Anonymous paper questionnaires were distributed to patients who had registered themselves at the STI Department IRCCS Ca' Granda Policlinico in Milan. RESULTS: A significant association was demonstrated between use of sexualised drugs, chemsex and the following variables: (1). Number of partners: in the group of clients with more than five partners, sexualised drug users were more than twice compared with those in the group with less than five partners (35.2% vs 16.2%) p<0.0001. (2). Use of dating apps: more than one out of two persons who used drugs during sex affirmed looking for partners on internet, p = 0.0059. (3). Low condom uses with occasional partners: percentage of individuals who declared not to use condoms or devices during their sexual encounters with occasional partners is more than twice as high in the sexualised drug users group with respect to controls (44.6% vs 21.4%); p = 0.0006). (4). Use of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP): among the PEP users, more than half participants belonged to the sexualised drug users' group; p = 0.0021. CONCLUSIONS: Sexualised drug use and chemsex are frequently practiced in Milan. This survey identified a specific population with higher-risk sexual behaviours and increased incidence of acute bacterial STIs.

Mpox: an updated review of dermatological manifestations in the current outbreak.

Mpox is a disease caused by a double-stranded DNA orthopoxvirus discovered in 1958. In 2022, an outbreak on an unprecedented scale marked its transition from neglected, zoonotic disease circulating almost exclusively within African borders to sexually transmitted infection (STI) of international concern. Although phylogenetic evidence suggests progressive evolution from the strain associated with the 2018 outbreak in Nigeria, epidemiological links with previous cases have still not been completely elucidated. Clinically, mpox presents with systemic symptoms, such as fever, headache, malaise and a characteristic cutaneous eruption, similar to that of cognate viruses (e.g. smallpox). Mpox pseudopustules evolve through several stages, including umbilication and crusting, and resolve in the span of 2-3 weeks. The hallmarks that set the 2022 outbreak apart from classic mpox were a disproportionate number of cases occurring in men who have sex with men, an often localized cutaneous picture and a significant burden in terms of concomitant STIs. Investigations into the disease pathogenesis, related immune response, clinical and dermoscopic features, in addition to studies aimed at defining novel management strategies, have advanced mpox knowledge considerably. Herein, recent findings on mpox are reviewed, with a keen focus on dermatological manifestations and their implications in the current diagnostic scenario, reinforcing the pivotal role of dermatologists in managing suspect cases and preventing further spread of the contagion.

Secondary syphilis with extra-genital condyloma lata: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is known as the "great imitator" because of its polymorphic clinical manifestations. Condyloma lata are an uncommon mucocutaneous manifestation of secondary syphilis, generally localized in intertriginous areas, such as the genitals and anus. Extragenital localization of condyloma lata is considered unusual. METHODS: A case study of extra-genital condylomata is presented. To contextualise the case, a literature review of extra-genital condylomata lata was subsequently undertaken. The authors searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Excerpta Medica/EMBASE English-language sources using the following keywords: "condyloma lata", "condylomata lata", and "condyloma latum". RESULTS: Thirty-five papers (from 1940 to 2021) describing an extra-anogenital localization of condyloma lata were found and are summarized in Table 1. Patients were mainly males (82.1%), with a mean age of 31.9 years. Most of them showed other manifestations of secondary syphilis (53.9%). In a minority of cases (39.0%), concomitant anogenital condyloma lata were present, thus making the diagnosis easier. The toe web localization was the most documented (26.2%) followed by the oral cavity (23.8%). CONCLUSION: In the presence of extra-genital condyloma lata, the differential diagnosis is not always clear, especially when no other muco-cutaneous lesions are observed. In the case of eroded or wet lesions involving any cutaneous fold, associated or not with other cutaneous manifestations, a sexual history should be obtained, and syphilis must be considered.

Primary syphilis of the finger: report of four cases.

Although primary syphilis generally involves the genitalia, literature reports that 12% of chancres are extragenital, with the anus and oral cavity as the most frequent locations. We present hereby a case series of four chancres of the finger observed at the sexually transmitted infection centre of Milan between 2010 and 2021.

Ticks on the external male genital structures.

Penis and scrotum are very rarely affected by tick bites. We present four cases of involvement of male genitals by ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae. Dermatological examination showed an apparently healthy skin around the tick. Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were negative. In all patients the entire body of the tick was delicately removed by means of pliers. Antibiotic therapy was unnecessary.

Clinical and laboratory features of 244 men with primary syphilis: a 5-year single-centre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis incidence has exponentially increased in recent decades, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Primary syphilis is characterised by a chancre appearing at the site of Treponema pallidum (TP) inoculation. Atypical morphological variants of syphilitic chancre are frequent. Clinical suspicion must be confirmed either by the demonstration of TP within the lesion through direct tests, such as dark field microscopy (DFM) or T. pallidum nucleic acid amplification technique (TP-NAAT), or by serological tests. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical features, the sexual behaviour and the role of diagnostic tests in a cohort of men with primary syphilis in Milan. METHODS: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of male patients with primary syphilis seen at the STI Center of the University of Milan between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed by at least one positive diagnostic test of either DFM, TP-NAAT or serology. RESULTS: Among a total of 244 patients, 160 (65.6%) were MSM and 32 (13.1%) were living with HIV. One hundred twenty-four (50.8%) patients had a clinically atypical chancre. Chancres were exclusively extragenital in 30 (12.3%) patients, with MSM being more commonly affected (MSM vs heterosexuals: 16.3% vs 4.8%, respectively; p=0.012), and anal region the most frequently involved site. Chancres were multiple in 68/242 (28.1%) patients and morphologically atypical in 76/244 (31.1%). Diagnosis was obtained by (1) both serology and direct methods in 158/244 patients (64.7%), (2) serology solely in 47/244 (19.3%) and (3) direct methods solely in 39/244 (16%). DFM yielded positive results in 83/139 (59.7%) patients, while TP-NAAT gave positive results in 114/121 (94.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with primary syphilis frequently present with morphologically atypical chancres. Furthermore, MSM commonly exhibit extragenital involvement. A combined diagnostic approach including both direct and indirect tests is needed.

A Multicentre, Randomised Clinical Trial to Compare a Topical Nitrizinc® Complex Solution Versus Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Anogenital Warts.

INTRODUCTION: Anogenital warts (AGW) are a relevant clinical issue in the field of sexually transmitted disease, and to date no treatment provides a satisfactory clearance rate. Treatment can be both medical and surgical, and be provided by a healthcare provider or by the patient. Cryotherapy (CRYO) is among the most common treatments for AGW. Nitrizinc® Complex solution (NZCS) is a solution containing organic acids, nitric acid and zinc and copper salts that is applied topically to warts, producing mummification of the damaged tissue. It is considered to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for genital and common warts. The aim of our study was to compare NZCS to CRYO in the treatment of AGW. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multicentre, single-blind, randomised, superiority clinical study involving 120 patients, aged 18-55 years, diagnosed with a first episode of AGW, with each patient having from three to ten AGW. The patients were treated either with NZCS or CRYO for a maximum of four treatments. Primary endpoints were: (1) comparison of the clinical efficacy of CRYO and NZCS, based on response to treatment (clearance of AGW) within four treatment sessions; and (2) tolerability, assessed via a short questionnaire at the end of each treatment session. Secondary endpoints were: (1) number of treatments needed for clearance; and (2) recurrence at 1 and 3e months after confirmed clearance. The results were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: A complete response was achieved in 89.7% of the NZCS group and in 75.4% of the CRYO group (p = 0.0443). NZCS was found to be better tolerated. There was no difference between the NZCS and CRYO treatment arms in the number of sessions needed to clear the lesions. Recurrence occurred after 1 month in 18.4% of the NZCS group and 38.1% of the CRYO group (p = 0.0356), and after 3 months in 25 and 40.6% of these groups, respectively (p = 0.1479). CONCLUSIONS: Nitrizinc® Complex solution can be considered to be as effective as CRYO for the treatment of small (< 5 mm) external AGW, with a better tolerability profile and lower rate of recurrence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN identifier, ISRCTN36102369.

Primary Syphilis of the Neck Mimicking Pyodermatitis.

The authors describe an atypical case of primary syphilis of the neck. The unusual clinical presentation and localization led to an initial diagnostic mistake. This case confirms the polymorphic character of syphilis. Considering the increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections worldwide, a high index of suspicion should be maintained by physicians.