Keratinocyte Response to Infection with Sporothrix schenckii.

Sporotrichosis is a subacute, or chronic mycosis caused by traumatic inoculation of material contaminated with the fungus Sporothrix schenckii which is part of the Sporothrix spp. complex. The infection is limited to the skin, although its progression to more severe systemic or disseminated forms remains possible. Skin is the tissue that comes into contact with Sporothrix first, and the role of various cell lines has been described with regard to infection control. However, there is little information on the response of keratinocytes. In this study, we used the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and evaluated different aspects of infection from modifications in the cytoskeleton to the expression of molecules of the innate response during infection with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii. We found that during infection with both phases of the fungus, alterations of the actin cytoskeleton, formation of membrane protuberances, and loss of stress fibers were induced. We also observed an overexpression of the surface receptors MR, TLR6, CR3 and TLR2. Cytokine analysis showed that both phases of the fungus induced the production of elevated levels of the chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8, and proinflammatory cytokines IFN-α, IFN-γ and IL-6. In contrast, TNF-α production was significant only with conidial infection. In late post-infection, cytokine production was observed with immunoregulatory activity, IL-10, and growth factors, G-CSF and GM-CSF. In conclusion, infection of keratinocytes with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii induces an inflammatory response and rearrangements of the cytoskeleton.

International registry of dermatological manifestations secondary to COVID-19 infection in 347 Hispanic patients from 25 countries.

BACKGROUND: The infection by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with multiple cutaneous manifestations, although characterization of them in Hispanic patients with darker skin phototypes is lacking. The objective of this study is to characterize the clinical dermatological manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection in cases with few or without general symptoms in patients from Latin America. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that was made for health professionals (physicians with a specialty in dermatology) to investigate dermatological lesions associated with COVID-19 infection in patients from 25 countries of Latin America. The survey was active from June 9 to July 30, 2020. RESULTS: In this study, information was collected from a total of 347 patients. We found a female gender predominance: 179/347 (51.6%). The mean age at presentation was 40.87 years. The most frequent dermatological manifestations were maculopapular rash and urticarial lesions, followed by papulovesicular lesions, vesicular lesions, chilblain-like lesions, papular lesions, ecchymosis, petechial purpura, pityriasis rosea-like lesions, pruritus, palmoplantar dysesthesias, transient livedo, acral necrosis, palpable purpura, livedo racemosa, and retiform purpura. As far as we know, there are no previous reports of pruritus and palmoplantar dysesthesias. CONCLUSIONS: This registry emphasizes skin manifestations as an important criterion for establishing the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in Latin American countries. This information will be useful for the early identification of suspected cases by health professionals (dermatologists and nondermatologists) and will allow contact tracing to mitigate the impact on health systems at different levels.

Eritema nodoso necrosante en lepra lepromatosa asociada a infección mixta por Mycobacterium lepromatosis y Mycobacterium leprae. Reporte de caso / Necrotizing erythema nodosumin lepromatous leprosy associated with mixed infection by Mycobacterium lepromatosis and Mycobacterium leprae. Case report

RESUMEN La lepra es una enfermedad causada por Mycobacterium leprae. Su evolución crónica a veces se ve interrumpida por cuadros inmunológicos llamados reacción leprosa en pacientes con alta carga bacilar. Estos cuadros inmunológicos incrementan la morbilidad y pueden complicarse, volviéndose potencialmente mortales. En el espectro de estas reacciones, se han descrito algunas caracterizadas por lesiones vasculo necróticas, como el Fenómeno de Lucio y el eritema nodoso lepromatoso necrosante, que son asociadas a la lepra lepromatosa difusa y a la especie de bacilos recién descripta, Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Presentamos un paciente de sexo femenino de 21 años de edad, que duranteel tratamiento específico para lepra multibacilar presentó cuadros recidivantes de eritema nudoso que evolucionó a la forma necrosante. En este paciente se precisó a través de la biología molecular la presencia simultánea de M. leprae y M. lepromatosis como causantes de la enfermedad. Este caso representa la primera comunicación de M. lepromatosis en el Paraguay, y también la primera infección dual como agente causante de lepra, en asociación con el M. leprae.

ABSTRACT Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Its chronic evolution is sometimes interrupted by immunological conditions called leprosy reaction in patients with high bacillary load. These immunological conditions increase morbidity and can be complicated, becoming life threatening. In the spectrum of these reactions, some characterized by vasculonecrotic lesions have been described, such as Lucio's Phenomenon and Necrotizing Lepromatous Nodus Erythem, which are associated with diffuse lepromatous leprosy and the species of bacilli just described, Mycobacterium lepromatosis. We present a 21-year-old female patient, who during specific treatment for multibacillary leprosy presented recurrent pictures of erythema nodosum that evolved to the necrotizing form. In this patient, the simultaneous presence of M. leprae and M. lepromatosis as the cause of the disease was determined through molecular biology. This case represents the first communication of M. lepromatosis in Paraguay, and also the first dual infection as a causative agent of leprosy, in association with M. leprae.

Eritema nodoso necrosante en lepra lepromatosa asociada a infección mixta por Mycobacterium lepromatosis y Mycobacterium leprae

La lepra es una enfermedad causada por Mycobacterium leprae. Su evolución crónica a veces se ve interrumpida por cuadros inmunológicos llamados reacción leprosa en pacientes con alta carga bacilar. Estos cuadros inmunológicos incrementan la morbilidad y pueden complicarse, volviéndose potencialmente mortales. En el espectro de estas reacciones, se han descrito algunas caracterizadas por lesiones vasculo necróticas, como el Fenómeno de Lucio y el eritema nodoso lepromatoso necrosante, que son asociadas a la lepra lepromatosa difusa y a la especie de bacilos recién descripta, Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Presentamos un paciente de sexo femenino de 21 años de edad, que durante el tratamiento específico para lepra multibacilar presentó cuadros recidivantes de eritema nudoso que evolucionó a la forma necrosante. En este paciente se precisó a través de la biología molecular la presencia simultánea de M. leprae y M. lepromatosis como causantes de la enfermedad. Este caso representa la primera comunicación de M. lepromatosis en el Paraguay, y también la primera infección dual como agente causante de lepra, en asociación con el M. leprae.

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Its chronic evolution is sometimes interrupted by immunological conditions called leprosy reaction in patients with high bacillary load. These immunological conditions increase morbidity and can be complicated, becoming life threatening. In the spectrum of these reactions, some characterized by vasculonecrotic lesions have been described, such as Lucio's Phenomenon and Necrotizing Lepromatous Nodus Erythem, which are associated with diffuse lepromatous leprosy and the species of bacilli just described, Mycobacterium lepromatosis. We present a 21-year-old female patient, who during specific treatment for multibacillary leprosy presented recurrent pictures of erythema nodosum that evolved to the necrotizing form. In this patient, the simultaneous presence of M. leprae and M. lepromatosis as the cause of the disease was determined through molecular biology. This case represents the first communication of M. lepromatosis in Paraguay, and also the first dual infection as a causative agent of leprosy, in association with M. leprae.

Nevo melanocítico congénito gigante / Giant congenital melanocytic nevi

Resumen Los nevos melanocíticos congénitos gigantes (NMCG) son lesiones melanocíticas secundarias a la migración anormal de los melanoblastos durante la embriogénesis. Afectan aproximadamente a 1 de cada 20,000 nacidos vivos y suelen estar presentes desde el nacimiento. Estas lesiones se distinguen porque cambian sus características morfológicas con el tiempo y aumentan su tamaño de forma paralela al crecimiento del niño, alcanzando un diámetro ≥ 20 cm en la edad adulta. La importancia de los NMCG radica en las complicaciones a las que se encuentran asociados, principalmente al desarrollo de melanoma o melanosis neurocutánea, además del impacto psicológico y social que generan en la mayoría de los casos, por lo que quienes los padecen requerirán de un seguimiento multidisciplinario a largo plazo. Actualmente, el manejo de los niños con NMCG continúa siendo controversial, ya que no existe un tratamiento de elección, por lo que este deberá ser individualizado de acuerdo con las características del nevo y las necesidades específicas de cada paciente.

Abstract Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are melanocytic lesions secondary to the abnormal migration of melanoblasts during the embryogenesis, affecting approximately one in 20,000 live births. They are usually present since birth and are distinguished by changing their morphological characteristics within time, and increasing their size parallel to the growth of the child, reaching a diameter ≥ 20 cm in adulthood. The importance of the GCMN lies in the complications associated to them; mainly the development of melanoma or neurocutaneous melanosis, in addition to the psychological or social impact that generates in most of the cases. Therefore, individuals with GCMN will require a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up. Currently, the management of children with GCMN is still controversial since there is no treatment of choice. Consequently, the treatment must be individualized according to the characteristics of the nevus and the specific needs of each patient.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are melanocytic lesions secondary to the abnormal migration of melanoblasts during the embryogenesis, affecting approximately one in 20,000 live births. They are usually present since birth and are distinguished by changing their morphological characteristics within time, and increasing their size parallel to the growth of the child, reaching a diameter ≥ 20 cm in adulthood. The importance of the GCMN lies in the complications associated to them; mainly the development of melanoma or neurocutaneous melanosis, in addition to the psychological or social impact that generates in most of the cases. Therefore, individuals with GCMN will require a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up. Currently, the management of children with GCMN is still controversial since there is no treatment of choice. Consequently, the treatment must be individualized according to the characteristics of the nevus and the specific needs of each patient.

Los nevos melanocíticos congénitos gigantes (NMCG) son lesiones melanocíticas secundarias a la migración anormal de los melanoblastos durante la embriogénesis. Afectan aproximadamente a 1 de cada 20,000 nacidos vivos y suelen estar presentes desde el nacimiento. Estas lesiones se distinguen porque cambian sus características morfológicas con el tiempo y aumentan su tamaño de forma paralela al crecimiento del niño, alcanzando un diámetro ≥ 20 cm en la edad adulta. La importancia de los NMCG radica en las complicaciones a las que se encuentran asociados, principalmente al desarrollo de melanoma o melanosis neurocutánea, además del impacto psicológico y social que generan en la mayoría de los casos, por lo que quienes los padecen requerirán de un seguimiento multidisciplinario a largo plazo. Actualmente, el manejo de los niños con NMCG continúa siendo controversial, ya que no existe un tratamiento de elección, por lo que este deberá ser individualizado de acuerdo con las características del nevo y las necesidades específicas de cada paciente.

Consenso mexicano en el manejo clínico de la hidradenitis supurativa / Mexican consensus on the clinical management of hidradenitis suppurativa

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La hidradenitis supurativa es una enfermedad inflamatoria, crónica y recurrente con gran repercusión en la calidad de vida de los pacientes, específicamente en los aspectos psicológicos y sexuales, así como también en la productividad laboral. OBJETIVO: Generar un documento de consenso sobre el manejo clínico de los pacientes con hidradenitis supurativa en México que sirva para homologar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de estos pacientes. MÉTODO: Se convocó a un grupo multidisciplinario (dermatólogos, ginecólogos, cirujanos, infectólogos, proctólogos) para analizar la evidencia en el tratamiento integral de la hidradenitis supurativa (calidad de vida, clinimetría, diagnóstico y tratamiento), localizada mediante una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía. El grupo discutió sobre los temas y se generaron las recomendaciones por acuerdo unánime de los participantes. RESULTADOS: Con frecuencia los pacientes con hidradenitis supurativa pueden tardar mucho tiempo en obtener el diagnóstico y manejo correctos, principalmente debido a la falta de evidencia sobre la enfermedad, así como a la falta de criterios para referir al paciente con un especialista. Se emitieron 22 recomendaciones para el tratamiento de pacientes con hidradenitis supurativa, que comprenden el diagnóstico, estadificación y clinimetría, así como el manejo clínico en el primer, segundo y tercer nivel de atención. CONCLUSIONES: Se emitieron las recomendaciones con base en la mejor evidencia disponible, así como la experiencia del grupo multidisciplinario de expertos en el tratamiento de hidradenitis supurativa.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory, chronic and recurrent disease with a high impact on patients quality of life, specifically in psychological and sexual aspects, as well as in labor productivity. OBJECTIVE: To generate a consensus document on the clinical management of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa in Mexico, that serves to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. METHOD: A multidisciplinary group was convened (dermatologists, gynecologists, surgeons, infectologists, proctologists) to analyze the evidence on the integral treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (quality of life, clinimetry, diagnosis and treatment), located through a systematic review of the literature. The group discussed the issues and the recommendations were generated by unanimous agreement of the participants. RESULTS: Frequently, patients with hidradenitis suppurativa can take a long time to obtain the correct diagnosis and management, mainly due to the lack of evidence about the disease, as well as the lack of criteria to refer the patient to a specialist. Twenty-two recommendations were issued for the treatment of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, which include diagnosis, staging and clinimetry, as well as clinical management in the first, second and third levels of care. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations were issued based on the best available evidence, as well as the experience of the multidisciplinary group of experts in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Biomarkers of Inflammation in Obesity-Psoriatic Patients.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory multisystemic disease with a complex pathogenesis consisting of genetic, immunological, and environmental components. It is associated with a number of comorbidities, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and myocardial infarction. In addition, the severity of psoriasis seems to be related to the severity of obesity. Patients with higher levels of obesity show poorer response to systemic treatments of psoriasis. Several studies have demonstrated that white adipose tissue is a crucial site of the formation of proinflammatory adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin and classical cytokines such as interleukin- (IL-) 6 and tumour necrosis factor-α. In psoriasis, due to the proliferation of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells, IL-22, among others, is produced in addition to the abovementioned cytokines. With respect to leptin and resistin, both of these adipokines are present in high levels in obese persons with psoriasis. Further, the plasma levels of leptin and resistin are related to the severity of psoriasis. These results strongly suggest that obesity, through proinflammatory pathways, is a predisposing factor to the development of psoriasis and that obesity aggravates existing psoriasis. Different inflammatory biomarkers link psoriasis and obesity. In this paper, the most important ones are described.

Micosis superficiales en pacientes embarazadas en un hospital general de segundo nivel de atención / Superficial mycosis in pregnant patients in a general hospital

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: Las micosis superficiales se generan por contacto directo con el hongo o con una persona o animal infectado, y afectan la piel, los anexos y las mucosas; las pacientes embarazadas son susceptibles a cambios cutáneos fisiológicos y patológicos. OBJETIVO: Describir las micosis superficiales en pacientes embarazadas del Servicio de Obstetricia del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo y transversal realizado en pacientes embarazadas de la consulta externa del Servicio de Gineco-obstetricia del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González de julio de 2016 a julio de 2017. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 23 pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Micología; el grupo de edad más afectado fue de 21 a 40 años de edad (86.9%); 17 tuvieron tiña plantar (73.9%) y 4 (17.9%) tuvieron onicomicosis distrófica total. Dos cultivos fueron positivos para Trichophyton rubrum. CONCLUSIONES: Las micosis superficiales fueron poco frecuentes en el grupo estudiado: 17 pacientes con tiña de los pies y 4 con onicomicosis. El agente aislado fue Trichophyton rubrum.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Superficial mycoses are generated by direct contact with the fungus or with an infected person or animal, and affect the skin, the attachments and mucous membranes; pregnant patients are susceptible to skin changes, both physiological and pathological. OBJECTIVE: To know the frequency of superficial mycoses in pregnant patients from the obstetrics service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, observational, prospective and crosssectional study carried out in pregnant patients of the Gineco-Obstetrics Service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City, from July 2016 to July 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included in the mycology department for their physical examination; the most affected group was between 21 and 40 age years (86.9%); 17 patients presented tinea pedis (73.9%) and 4 (17.9%) onychomycosis. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial mycosis were not frequent in the group of study: 17 patients had tinea pedis and 4 onychomycosis. The causal agent isolated was Trichophyton rubrum.

Analysis of the rs2476601 polymorphism of PTPN22 in Mexican mestizo patients with leprosy.

Leprosy, a human chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), remains endemic in certain countries despite the use of multidrug therapy. Recently, several host genes modulating the immune responses to M. leprae infection have been suggested to influence the acquisition and clinical course of leprosy. Lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase, encoded by the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene, serves a negative regulatory role in T cell activation. The non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2476601 (1858C>T) has been associated with autoimmune diseases. Here, the present study investigated if rs2476601 polymorphism was associated with leprosy in a Mexican mestizo population. Genotyping was performed in patients with leprosy (n=189) and control subjects (n=231) from regions with higher incidence of leprosy. Genotypic (P=0.44) and allelic frequencies (P=0.45) of the rs2476601 polymorphism were similar between patients and controls; genotypic frequencies were 91 vs. 94% for CC and 9 vs. 6% for CT, and the TT genotype was absent in both groups. Allelic frequencies were 96 vs. 97% for C, and 4 vs. 3% for T. In the same way, the genotypic (P=0.46) and allelic frequencies (P=0.47) from MB patients and controls were similar. In conclusion, there was a lack of association of the PTPN22 rs2476601 polymorphism with the development of leprosy, which suggests that this SNP was not a genetic risk factor for leprosy in the Mexican mestizo population studied.

The importance of diagnostic imaging of mycetoma in the foot.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma is a chronic, localized infection caused by fungi and bacteria. It usually affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone of exposed areas with deformity of the affected limb, ulcers, and fistula; however, pain is not severe, therefore the patient comes late to hospital for care. OBJECTIVE: To establish the diagnosis of mycetoma in the foot by imaging and identify the principal radiological signs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with foot mycetoma were evaluated with plain x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) after confirming the diagnosis by histopathology and culture. RESULTS: All patients presented the MR "dot-in-circle" sign; four presented "punched out" bone lesions on plain x-ray. The six patients had fistulas, ulceration, a seropurulent exudate, edema, and a foot deformity. Four patients had N. brasiliensis infection with positive anti-Nocardia IgG antibodies, and only half presented bone lesions. CONCLUSION: Characteristic findings were foot deformity, edema, bone lesions, ulcers, fistulas and the presence of the "dot-in-circle" sign. We recommend a comprehensive study of patients with plain x-ray and MR.

Biofilms and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Candida species, including C. albicans, are part of the mucosal flora of most healthy women, and inhabit the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Under favourable conditions, they can colonize the vulvovaginal mucosa, giving rise to symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The mechanism by which Candida spp. produces inflammation is unknown. Both, the blastoconidia and the pseudohyphae are capable of destroying the vaginal epithelium by direct invasion. Although the symptoms are not always related to the fungal burden, in general, VVC is associated with a greater number of yeasts and pseudohyphae. Some years ago, C. albicans was the species most frequently involved in the different forms of VVC. However, infections by different species have emerged during the last two decades producing an increase in causative species of VVC such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. Candida species are pathogenic organisms that have two forms of development: planktonic and biofilm. A biofilm is defined as a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and encompassed by an extracellular matrix. This form of presentation gives microorganisms greater resistance to antifungal agents. This review, about Candia spp. with a special emphasis on Candida albicans discusses specific areas such as biofilm structure and development, cell morphology and biofilm formation, biofilm-associated gene expression, the cell surface and adherence, the extracellular matrix, biofilm metabolism, and biofilm drug resistance in vulvovaginitis biofilms as an important virulence factor in fungi.

Úlcera crónica por Mycobacterium chelonae: informe de dos casos y claves para el diagnóstico de micobacteriosis cutáneas / Chronic ulcer by Mycobacterium chelonae: a report of two cases and keys for the diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacteriosis

Resumen Se comunican dos casos clínicos poco frecuentes de micobacteriosis cutáneas; uno adquirido en la comunidad y uno en medio hospitalario, ambos pacientes del género masculino, con dermatosis crónicas constituidas por úlceras, fístulas y placas de aspecto papilomatoso. El diagnóstico fue tardío y la evolución no fue satisfactoria, a pesar de prescribir tratamiento adecuado contra Mycobacterium chelonae. El propósito de este artículo es mostrar la manifestación clínica de las lesiones para sospecha diagnóstica temprana y oportuna de las diferentes disciplinas médicas que participan en la atención de los pacientes con estas infecciones.

Abstract This paper reports the two rare clinical cases of cutaneous mycobacterial infections. One of them acquired the infection within the community while the other was a nosocomial case, both cases were male with chronic ulcers, fistulae and papilloma-like lesions. In both cases diagnosis was late and evolution, despite correct Mycobacterium chelonae treatment, was unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to show the clinical presentation and accurate suspicion of infection of the different medical areas involved in its management.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Case Involving the Scalp - Clinical and Videodermoscopic Findings.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a worldwide infectious disease caused by flagellate protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In America, the species most commonly responsible for CL are L. mexicana and L. brasiliensis. Usually, in America, it is transmitted by sand flies mainly of the genus Lutzomyia and Psychodopygus. CL most commonly affects exposed areas and is characterized by an erythematous infiltrated and ulcerated papular or nodular lesion. We report a 28-year-old male, with a 6-month history and a previous trip to the forest in the south of Mexico. He presented with an asymptomatic erythematous plaque on his scalp, with slow and progressive nodular lesions with central crusted ulceration, with a raised and well-defined border. On videodermoscopy, we observed erythematous gummy lesions, yellowish scabs, and white star, dotted, hairpin, and glomerular patterns of vessels.

Tuberculosis cutánea verrugosa / Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis

Resumen La tuberculosis es una infección global, con formas pulmonares y extrapulmonares. La tuberculosis cutánea corresponde a 0.5-2% de todas las formas extrapulmonares; la forma verrugosa abarca 8% de todas las formas cutáneas. Es una lesión localizada, de reinfección exógena o por inoculación externa. Por lo general se manifiesta después de un traumatismo sobre la piel; la mayor parte ocurre sobre los dedos y el dorso de las manos. El diagnóstico definitivo requiere el aislamiento del microorganismo por cultivo o secuenciación por PCR, pero hay alta frecuencia de cultivos negativos, por lo que el diagnóstico se establece con base en la correlación clínico-patológica y la respuesta al tratamiento antifímico. El objetivo de este artículo es comunicar un caso de tuberculosis cutánea verrugosa y diferenciar esta afección dermatológica de la provocada por M. marinum por su gran parecido en la manifestación clínica.

Abstract Tuberculosis is a global infection with pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms. Cutaneous tuberculosis corresponds to 0.5-2% of all extrapulmonary forms. The warty form comprises 8% of all cutaneous forms. It is a localized lesion, of exogenous reinfection or external inoculation. Usually, it occurs after a trauma to the skin; most occurring on the fingers and the back of the hands. The definitive diagnosis requires the isolation of the microorganism by culture or sequencing by PCR, but there is a high frequency of negative cultures, so the diagnosis is made based on clinical-pathological correlation and response to antituberculosis treatment. The aim of this article is to report a case of verrucous cutaneous tuberculosis and differentiate this dermatological entity from that caused by M. marinum because of its similarity in clinical presentation.

Dermatologists happiness and satisfaction / Estudio sobre la satisfacción laboral y la felicidad en médicos dermatólogos.

Objective: To assess the level of happiness and satisfaction in the life and medical practice of dermatologists in Mexico. Method: A descriptive study (online survey) was conducted focused on practicing dermatologists in our country. Questions included demographic characteristics, the Pemberton happiness index (with local validation) and questions that assessed the degree of personal satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain the central tendency and dispersion. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were performed; to compare categorical variables, contingency tables for chi-square test were used and when comparing quantitative variables with normal distribution, Student's t t-test was used. Results: 219 surveys were included, 72.6% female and 27.4% male, with an average age of 45.6 and an average of 16 years of medical practice. Most of them (64.8%) graduate from Mexico City; 93% were very satisfied with the specialty and 98.6% of them would choose the same once again, the most important reason is to encompass medical and surgical areas. The level of happiness by using the Pemberton scale was "high" (mode: 9.11; standard deviation: 1.73). Conclusions: This first study in Latin America on this subject in dermatologists showed high levels of satisfaction and happiness in both professional and personal areas.

Objetivo: Conocer la felicidad y la satisfacción laboral de los dermatólogos en México. Método: Estudio descriptivo, mediante encuesta en línea dirigida a dermatólogos especialistas, graduados y con ejercicio en México. Se incluyeron elementos demográficos, el Índice de Felicidad de Pemberton (con validación local) y preguntas para evaluar la satisfacción personal. Se realizaron medidas de tendencia central y dispersión; para comparar las variables categóricas, se utilizaron tablas de contingencia para ji al cuadrado, y al comparar variables cuantitativas con distribución normal se utilizó la prueba t de Student. Resultados: Se incluyeron 219 encuestados, el 72.6% mujeres y el 27.4% hombres, con una media de edad de 45.6 años y un promedio de 16 años de ejercicio profesional. La mayoría (64.8%) eran egresados de la Ciudad de México y el 75.3% estaban muy satisfechos con su escuela de formación. Un 93% se manifestó muy satisfecho con su especialidad y el 98.6% volvería a escogerla; el mayor motivo sería abarcar ámbitos médicos y quirúrgicos. El grado de felicidad según el Índice de Pemberton fue «alto¼ (media: 9.11; desviación estándar: 1.73). Conclusión: Este primer estudio en América Latina sobre este aspecto en dermatólogos, muestra unos altos índices de satisfacción y felicidad, tanto en el área profesional como en la personal.

Photoletter to the editor: Atypical primary cutaneous mucormycosis of the scalp.

Mucormycosis of the scalp is a rare cutaneous presentation of the disease. It is also an unusual infection in children. We present the case of a 4-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who presented with atypical cutaneous mucormycosis simulating an ecthyma gangrenosum lesion. Risk factors for the infection are diabetes, neoplastic diseases, immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients, and neutropenia. The cutaneos forms have been associated with trauma, burns and surgical wounds. First line treatment is amphotericin B. Posaconazole was recently approved to treat invasive mucormycosis. Surgical removal of the infected tissue is indicated.

Linear Lichen Planopilaris of the Face: Case Report and Review.

We describe the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a 5-month history of unilateral pruritic linear erythematous papules and atrophy on the chin and mandibular area. Dermoscopy showed areas of cicatricial alopecia with absence of follicular openings, perifollicular erythema and pigment. Lichen planopilaris of the face is a rare variant with only 13 cases reported in the literature.

[Presence of lactoferrin (LF) in lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. Yeast-bound antimicrobial peptide]. / Presencia de lactoferrina (LF) en la esporotricosis linfocutánea. Péptido antimicrobiano unido a levaduras.

Sporotrichosis is a common subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America, produced by dimorphic fungi belong to Sporothrix schenckii complex of cryptic species. Infection is acquired by traumatic inoculation with contaminated organic material. Host immune response includes polymorphonuclear neutrophils chemotaxis and release of granular components. Lactoferrin is a protein member of the transferrin family of iron-binding proteins, present inside polymorphonuclear granular structure, and has been reported to affect growth and development of infectious agents, including fungal organisms. Nevertheless, lactoferrin expression in sporotrichosis infections has not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of lactoferrin using immunohistochemical staining in sporotrichosis human infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dermatology department's files during a period of five years were reviewed; cases with a diagnosis of sporotrichosis were selected and lactoferrin immunostaining was performed when enough biological material was available. RESULTS: Three cases with a diagnosis of sporotrichosis and adequate biological material on paraffin block were identified. In all cases, lactoferrin immunostaining was positive around yeast cell.