RESUMEN
Syphilis-the "great simulator" for classical venereologists-is re-emerging in Western countries despite adequate treatment; several contributing factors have been identified, including changes in sexual behaviour, which won't be the topic of this article though. In 2021, a total of 6613 new cases of syphilis were reported in Spain, representing an incidence of 13.9 x 100 000 inhabitants (90.5%, men). Rates have increased progressively since 2000. The clinical presentation of syphilis is heterogeneous. Although chancroid, syphilitic roseola and syphilitic nails are typical lesions, other forms of the disease can be present such as non-ulcerative primary lesions like Follmann balanitis, chancres in the oral cavity, patchy secondary lingual lesions, or enanthema on the palate and uvula, among many others. Regarding diagnosis, molecular assays such as PCR have been replacing dark-field microscopy in ulcerative lesions while automated treponemal tests (EIA, CLIA) are being used in serological tests, along with classical tests (such as RPR and HAART) for confirmation and follow-up purposes. The interpretation of these tests should be assessed in the epidemiological and clinical context of the patient. HIV serology and STI screening should be requested for anyone with syphilis. Follow-up of patients under treatment is important to ensure healing and detect reinfection. Serological response to treatment should be assessed with the same non-treponemal test (RPR/VDRL); 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up is a common practice in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Sexual contacts should be assessed and treated as appropriate. Screening is advised for pregnant women within the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women with an abortion after week 20 should all be tested for syphilis. The treatment of choice for all forms of syphilis, including pregnant women and PLHIV, is penicillin. Macrolides are ill-advised because of potential resistance.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is an emerging pathogen that causes skin and soft-tissue infections. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of skin infections caused by CA-MRSA and correlations with the available demographic and microbiological data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive study of patients with a microbiologically confirmed diagnosis of CA-MRSA infection treated in a dermatology department between June 2009 and December 2011. We recorded demographic details, the clinical characteristics of lesions, and the treatments used. RESULTS: We studied 11 patients (5 men and 6 women); 91% were under 40 years of age and had no relevant past medical history. The most common presentation was a skin abscess (with or without cellulitis). In all such cases, marked tissue necrosis and little or no purulent exudate was observed when the abscess was drained. Fifty percent of these abscesses had been treated previously with ß-lactam antibiotics, and in all cases the lesions resolved after surgical drainage, which was combined in 63% of cases with quinolones or cotrimoxazole. CONCLUSIONS: Today, skin infections due to CA-MRSA affect healthy young athletes who have no contact with healthcare settings. The most common presentation is a skin abscess characterized by marked tissue necrosis and little or no purulent exudate. In cases with these characteristics in susceptible patients, the involvement of CA-MRSA as the causative agent should be suspected. The abscesses should be drained whenever possible and, if necessary, antibiotic treatment should be prescribed; empirical use of ß-lactam antibiotics should be avoided.
