Dental considerations for the paediatric AIDS/HIV patient

HIV infection and AIDS are spreading rapidly among the world's children, especially among African-American and Hispanic children in the USA, and those in developing countries. Although recent research has identified several ways of preventing perinatal transmission of HIV, most of these methods are too expensive for widespread use in developing countries, where the epidemic is most severe. Oral manifestations are early and common clinical indicators of HIV infection and progression in children, as in adults, although the specific manifestations differ between adults and children. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is the most common sign of HIV infection in children and is significantly associated with markers of HIV disease progression. Other common oral manifestations in children include herpes simplex, linear gingival erythema, parotid enlargement and recurrent aphthous ulceration. Further research is needed on the ways in which oral manifestations can be used as predictors of disease progression; on the impact of the limited availability of health care for impoverished families who are disproportionately affected by HIV infection; and on supportive care and its impact on infected children's quality of life.

Adenotonsillar enlargement in pediatric organ transplant recipients: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to statistically correlate adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) in the pediatric posttransplant population with potential risk factors and to monitor the progression of ATH over time.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Participants were evaluated for ATH through a standardized 65-point questionnaire and an 8-point physical examination. They were also evaluated for current age, age at time of transplantation, type of organ transplant, gender, tacrolimus use, history of transplant rejection, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology. We evaluated 243 pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, with 116 patients undergoing repeat evaluation.

RESULTS

A statistically significant negative correlation was noted between age at time of transplantation and both questionnaire scores (P = 0.0075) and examination scores (P = 0.013). A significant negative correlation was also seen between age at time of evaluation and questionnaire score (P = 0.028) but not examination score (P = 0.49). Recipient EBV seronegativity significantly increased questionnaire score (P = 0.05). Liver transplant recipients also had a significantly higher questionnaire score than did kidney transplant recipients (P = 0.0048). Gender, CMV recipient status, and tacrolimus (immunosuppressant) use did not significantly impact questionnaire or examination scores. Repeat evaluation of 116 patients after a 2- to 9-month interval did not demonstrate any significant increases in questionnaire scores. A statistically significant drop in examination scores was noted (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

These findings support previous reports in the literature that correlate EBV seronegativity, younger age at transplant, and liver versus kidney transplantation with increased incidence of PTLD.

Promoting condoms for oral sex: impact on pharyngeal gonorrhea among female brothel-based sex workers

BACKGROUND

Low condom use for oral sex among female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore has led to a rise in pharyngeal gonorrhea.

GOAL

The goal of the study was to evaluate a program promoting the use of condoms for oral sex.

STUDY DESIGN

We used the time-series design to compare condom use and pharyngeal gonorrhea trends before and after program intervention in 1996 and the pretest-posttest matched control group design to determine the impact of brothel interventions on sex workers.

RESULTS

Consistent oral condom use increased significantly from 42.2% in 1996 to 89.9% in 2000, with a corresponding decline in pharyngeal gonorrhea (in comparison with no significant changes before intervention). Among sex workers in brothels with interventions there was a 10.8% absolute increase in condom use, compared with an 11.7% decrease in condom use in the control group. The gonorrhea incidence rate was also significantly much lower in the intervention group than in the control group (adjusted risk ratio: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06-0.78).

CONCLUSION

The intervention increased oral condom use, with a decline in the incidence of pharyngeal gonorrhea.

Analysis of pharyngocutaneous fistula following free jejunal transfer for total laryngopharyngectomy

The development of a pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common and troublesome complication in the early postoperative period following free jejunal transfer for total laryngopharyngectomy. However, many aspects of this complication remain unclear. In this study, the authors analyzed their experience with the pharyngocutaneous fistula formation following free jejunal transfers to evaluate its clinical behavior, determine the significance of the anastomotic technique used, and evaluate the role of preoperative radiation therapy on its formation and management. Of 168 patients who underwent free jejunal transfers following total laryngopharyngectomy at the authors' institution between July of 1988 and March of 2000, 23 patients (13.7 percent) with postoperative fistulas were identified. The mean onset of fistula formation was 16 days. Of the 23 fistulas, 13 (56.5 percent) occurred at the proximal and 10 (43.5 percent) at the distal anastomoses. Whereas the majority of the proximal fistulas (69.2 percent) developed near the mesenteric side of the jejunal flap, most of the distal fistulas (90 percent) were located anteriorly. The incidence of proximal fistula formation was higher in patients with a single-layer repair than in patients with a two-layer repair of a proximal anastomosis (80 percent versus 38.5 percent, p = 0.09). The incidence of fistula formation was greater in patients who received preoperative radiation therapy than in those who did not (16.3 percent versus 11.4 percent, p = 0.36). In addition, whereas a majority of fistulas (80 percent) occurred at the proximal anastomosis in patients who did not receive preoperative radiation therapy, most fistulas (61.5 percent) occurred at the distal anastomosis in patients who did receive radiation therapy (p = 0.09). The fistulas closed spontaneously in 15 patients (65 percent). On average, spontaneous closure occurred in 7.4 weeks. Proximal fistulas had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous closure compared with distal fistulas (85 percent versus 40 percent, p = 0.04). The rate of spontaneous fistula closure was higher in patients who had not received preoperative radiation therapy than in those who had (90 percent versus 46 percent, p = 0.07). Surgical closure of the fistula was required in five patients. The fistulas were not repaired in three patients because of recurrent tumor. Twenty patients (87 percent) resumed oral feeding after the closure of the fistula, with 17 (85 percent) of 20 patients tolerating a regular diet and three (15 percent) of 20 a liquid diet only.In conclusion, most fistulas occur at the proximal anastomosis and near the mesenteric side of the jejunal flap, and the use of a two-layer anastomotic technique seems to be associated with a lower incidence of fistula formation at the proximal suture line. Most fistulas close spontaneously, especially ones that occur proximally. Preoperative radiotherapy does seem to increase the risk of fistula formation, especially at the distal anastomotic site and make subsequent resolution of the fistulas more difficult. Most patients are able to resume oral feeding once the fistula is closed.

Inflammatory and granulomatous lesions of the larynx and pharynx

A number of inflammatory and granulomatous lesions can involve the larynx and pharynx. These conditions are generally difficult to diagnose because of the range of symptoms. This article reviews the following conditions: supraesophageal complications of reflux disease, relapsing polychondritis, Wegener granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculous laryngitis, Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer resin; DuPont, Wilmington, DE) granuloma, amyloidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The purpose is to provide a brief review of each disease and its manifestations, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

A case report of Linguatula serrata in human throat from Tehran, central Iran

A case of linguatulosis due to Linuatula serrata, a zoonotic pentastomid parasite in throat of a 28 years old woman from Tehran is described. After removal of the parasites the patient was discharged without any further complaining.

[Incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulas after laryngectomy depending on the method of nutritive drain insertion]

In the article incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy was estimated depending on the method of nutritive drain insertion. The study was performed in 464 patients (64% of all laryngectomized) treated surgically in ENT Department of Medical University in Lodz from 1988 to 1997. It was stated that fistulas developed in 114 cases (24.6%). There were compared two groups of patients following laryngectomy: group I was consisted of 279 patients with nasogastric tube and group II numbered 163 subjects with using a different method of nutritive drain insertion by the upper pole of neck wound during laryngectomy. It was found that pharyngocutaneous fistulas developed statistically lower in group with drain inserted by the neck wound than in group with nasogastric tube (17.8% vs 27.9% p < 0.05). Moreover patients in the second group could not suffered from the unpleasant pain in the nose, and easier accepted this manner of nutrition. Satisfactory surgical aspects for the patients and their environment confirm usefulness of different method of insertion of the nutritive drain by the neck wound.

[Incidence of salivary fistulas in relation to timing of oral nutrition after laryngectomy]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication after total laryngectomy. In Germany, a traditional recommendation is to use a nasogastric tube for feeding for 10-14 days postoperatively because many surgeons believe that oral feeding after surgery contributes to fistula development. However, there is no international agreement about when to begin oral feeding after total laryngectomy. Some authors begin oral feeding between the 1st and 4th postoperative day without any nasogastric tube, while others using a nasogastric tube delay oral feedings until 7-14 days after surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the timing of oral feeding and the development of fistulas after total laryngectomy.

PATIENTS/METHODS

In a prospective trial with 42 consecutive patients who underwent laryngectomy, oral feeding was started on different postoperative days between the 1st and the 10th. Most patients were selected randomly for the different postoperative days. Furthermore, other potential risk factors predisposing to fistula formation were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Five fistulas occurred in the total group (12%). Early postoperative oral feeding does not increase the incidence of fistulas. The fistula rate was only 9% in patients fed orally in the 1st postoperative week. The analysis of further risk factors for fistula formation showed only a significant correlation between type of resection and fistula occurrence (extended laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy vs standard laryngectomy; p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that early oral feeding in the 1st postoperative week does not influence fistula formation after laryngectomy.

The changing pattern of AIDS-defining illnesses with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)in a London clinic

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the progressive impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the incidence of AIDS-defining illnesses (ADIs) over a 9-year period.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. Eligible patients were 1538 AIDS-free, HIV-1-positive patients attending a large HIV clinic in west London who were at risk of developing AIDS because their CD4 count had declined to < or =350 x 10(6)/l cells during the period 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1998. Incidence rates for the 12 most frequent ADIs were compared for two time periods, 1990-1995 (pre-HAART) and 1996-1998 (post-HAART), using Poisson regression methods. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to examine the contribution of ART and HAART to any observed temporal trends in incidence rates.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 35 months, 450 (29%) patients had developed AIDS. Between the two time periods there was a significant decrease in the incidence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) by 35% (4.11 per 100 person-years in 1990-1995 vs. 2.67 in 1996-1998;P= 0.007), Kaposi's sarcoma by 34% (3.27 vs. 2.17;P= 0.022) and cryptosporidiosis by 60% (0.76 vs. 0.31;P= 0.029). A non-significant reduction in incidence was observed for cryptococcosis by 45% (0.81 vs. 0.45;P= 0.11), oesophageal candidiasis by 29% (3.34 vs. 2.39;P= 0.053) and mycobacterium avium complex by 18% (1.58 vs. 1.29;P= 0.4), and a non-significant increase was observed for tuberculosis by 17% (0.62 vs. 0.73;P= 0.66) and non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) by 51% (0.43 vs. 0.65;P= 0.31). The incidence of cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, recurrent bacterial chest infections and dementia remained stable. There was a clear stepwise reduction in the incidence of PCP, Kaposi's sarcoma and cryptosporidiosis with the use of non-H AART and HAART regimens relative to no ART. In a multivariate analysis, the use of ART and HAART explained the progressive decrease in incidence of PCP and Kaposi's sarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of most ADIs has decreased over the last 9 years. The striking reduction in the inci-dence of PCP and Kaposi's sarcoma since 1996 can be attributed to the use of combination ART and particularly HAART. The non-significant increase in the incidence of NHL and tuberculosis needs confirmation in other patient cohorts.

Globus pharyngeus: a postal questionnaire survey of UK ENT consultants

Globus pharyngeus is a common complaint often referred to the ENT outpatient department. The precise nature of globus pharyngeus and its aetiology remains something of a mystery. There is no uniform policy of management of this condition. A postal questionnaire was sent to all UK-based ENT consultants registered with the British Association of Otorhinolaryngolgists-Head and Neck Surgeons (BAO-HNS). The aim of this study was to ascertain if there was a favoured management policy by the majority of consultants. Our results indicate that there is a lack of consensus in the investigation and management of globus pharyngeus. Fourteen per cent do not perform any investigations, but would prescribe antacid medication if clinically indicated. The remainder would investigate in a variety of ways. The most common investigation is rigid endoscopy which is performed by 61% of respondents, followed by barium swallow (56%). The combination of endoscopy and barium swallow is routinely performed by 17.5% of respondents.

[The characteristics of the manifestation of syphilis on the mucosa of the mouth and oropharynx in children and adolescents]

Case histories of 81 children and 711 adolescents are analyzed. Specific lesions of the oropharyngeal mucosa have been detected in 43 (53.08%) children and 364 (51.20%) adolescents. Clinical manifestations of diseases of the oral mucosa and location of syphilitic elements and terms of their healing are analyzed.

The incidence and mechanisms of pharyngeal and upper esophageal dysfunction in partially paralyzed humans: pharyngeal videoradiography and simultaneous manometry after atracurium

BACKGROUND

Residual neuromuscular block caused by vecuronium alters pharyngeal function and impairs airway protection. The primary objectives of this investigation were to radiographically evaluate the swallowing act and to record the incidence of and the mechanism behind pharyngeal dysfunction during partial neuromuscular block. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of atracurium on pharyngeal function.

METHODS

Twenty healthy volunteers were studied while awake during liquid-contrast bolus swallowing. The incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction was studied by fluoroscopy. The initiation of the swallowing process, the pharyngeal coordination, and the bolus transit time were evaluated. Simultaneous manometry was used to document pressure changes at the tongue base, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, and the upper esophageal sphincter. After control recordings, an intravenous infusion of atracurium was administered to obtain train-of-four ratios (T4/T1) of 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80, followed by recovery to a train-of-four ratio of more than 0.90.

RESULTS

The incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction was 6% during the control recordings and increased (P < 0.05) to 28%, 17%, and 20% at train-of-four ratios 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80, respectively. After recovery to a train-of-four ratio of more than 0.90, the incidence was 13%. Pharyngeal dysfunction occurred in 74 of 444 swallows, the majority (80%) resulting in laryngeal penetration. The initiation of the swallowing reflex was impaired during partial paralysis (P = 0.0081). The pharyngeal coordination was impaired at train-of-four ratios of 0.60 and 0.70 (P < 0.01). A marked reduction in the upper esophageal sphincter resting tone was found, as well as a reduced contraction force in the pharyngeal constrictor muscles. The bolus transit time did not change significantly.

CONCLUSION

Partial neuromuscular paralysis caused by atracurium is associated with a four- to fivefold increase in the incidence of misdirected swallowing. The mechanism behind the pharyngeal dysfunction is a delayed initiation of the swallowing reflex, impaired pharyngeal muscle function, and impaired coordination. The majority of misdirected swallows resulted in penetration of bolus to the larynx.

[Pharmacological prophylaxis of gastroesophageal reflux. Incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy]

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a serious complication of total laryngectomy. This problem increases morbidity, prolongs hospitalization, and occasionally causes death. Numerous contributing factors have been implicated in fistula formation (1). We propose that gastroesophageal reflux, which often is subclinical, is an important trigger and should be prevented. We evaluated the effect of associating an antireflux agent like metoclopramide hydrochloride to our usual ranitidine of our protocol after total laryngectomy on reducing the incidence (p<0.05) of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

A prospective study of pharyngeal gonorrhoea and inconsistent condom use for oral sex among female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore

Oral sex among female sex workers in Singapore has risen sharply from 27.1% in 1992 to 81.7% in 1997. A prospective cohort study was carried out on 724 female brothel-based sex workers who practised oral sex, to determine the risk of contracting pharyngeal gonorrhoea through inconsistent condom use. The prevalence of consistent condom use for oral sex was 70.4% compared to 96.8% for vaginal sex. One hundred and twenty-nine (17.8%) were lost to follow up because they quit prostitution. The other 595 sex workers were followed up for a maximum period of 6 months. Thirty-eight (5.2%) sex workers contracted pharyngeal gonorrhoea compared to 2.5% who contracted cervical gonorrhoea. Sex workers with inconsistent condom use for oral sex were 17.1 times (95% CI: 8.0-36.5) more likely than consistent condom users to develop pharyngeal gonorrhoea, after controlling for ethnic group, class and number of clients. STD control programmes for sex workers should place stress on consistent condom use for oral sex.

[Emergency diseases of the larynx and pharynx (comparative statistics)]

473 patients with face skeleton traumas were treated. Bones of the nose, nose and paranasal sinuses, paranasal sinuses were injured in 83.7, 5.2 and 3.5% of the patients, respectively. Combined traumas of the nose, nasal sinuses, zygomatic bone and the orbit were observed in 7.6% of the examinees. Nasal fractures with displacement were encountered in 62%, without displacement in 38% of the patients. In most of the cases reposition of the nasal bones was conducted endonasally early after the trauma, late reposition was made 5-days after the trauma. In fractures of the zygomatic bone with displacement and of the orbit, reposition of the bone was carried out either through the maxillary bone or externally with Limberg's hook. In the fractures of the inferior orbital wall, revision of the bone wall was made via the external cut along the orbital margins. Multiple small fragments were removed, the plate of high molecular polyethylene 2 x 2.5 cm in size was inserted subperiosteally. After the revision, the maxillary sinus was tamponed with iodoform tampon for fixation. The tampon was removed in 9 days maximum. Participation of the dentist and ophthalmologist in surgical treatment of combined traumas of the face skeleton bones improves the operation outcome, reduces the number of complications, cosmetic defects and persistent functional disorders.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula after laryngectomy--incidence, predisposing factors and outcome

AIMS

The occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in a totally laryngectomised patient is a serious complication as it increases patient morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to determine the incidence of the problem in our patients, to identify factors which may contribute to fistula formation and to analyse our results in managing this complication.

METHODS

The case records of 69 patients who underwent total laryngectomy between April 1990 and July 1997 were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 11 cases of pharyngocutaneous fistula out of 69 patients with total laryngectomy, giving an incidence of 15.9%. Our findings showed that fistula formation was significantly more common in patients who had received pre-operative radiotherapy (p = 0.001) or who had tumour involved surgical resection margins (p = 0.018). The development of fistula delayed hospital discharge, and in 1 patient, contributed to sepsis and death. Of the 11 patients with fistula, 4 required surgical intervention for closure. There was a trend towards surgical repair when the size of the fistula was large (> 2 cm).

CONCLUSION

This paper identifies the patients at high risks for developing pharyngocutaneous fistula and also discusses our experience with managing this complication.

Pyriform sinus fistula appearing as a neck tumor in the neonatal period: a case report

Pyriform sinus cyst and fistula is a relatively rare tumor of the neck, even less is the neonatal period. We experienced a case of this one, and preoperative diagnosis was made by using endoscopy and cine-esophagography. A dyeing method that confirmed the fistula tract of cyst lead us to successful resection.

Respiratory findings in synthetic textile workers

We studied 308 female and 92 male textile workers employed in a factory that produced synthetic fiber hosiery. The mean age of the women was 38 years, their mean duration of employment 16 years. The mean age of the men was 39 years with a mean duration of employment of 16 years. A control group of 160 female and 78 male nonexposed workers was also studied. Chronic and acute work related symptoms were recorded for all workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves from which the forced vital capacity (FVC), the 1-sec forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximum expiratory flow rates at 50% and the last 25% (FEF50, FEF75) were read. There was a higher prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms in exposed than in control workers, although the differences were statistically significant only for dyspnea, sinusitis, and nasal catarrh (P < 0.01) in female synthetic textile workers, and for nasal catarrh (P < 0.01) in male synthetic textile workers. Occupational asthma was recorded in 3 (0.9%) of the women textile workers, and in 1 (1.1%) of male textile workers. There was a high prevalence of acute symptoms during the work shift, which was greatest for cough (female: 46%; male: 59%), dryness of the throat (female: 49%; male: 40%), dryness of the nose (female: 53%; male: 43%) and eye irritation (female: 46%; male: 36%). Ventilatory capacity data among the synthetic textile workers demonstrated significantly decreased FEF75 compared to predicted (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that inhalation of dust in synthetic textile plants causes the respiratory impairment.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula following laryngectomy

BACKGROUND

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) following laryngectomy is a serious complication, and its incidence varies from 7.6% to 50%. Despite the relative frequency of this complication, there is still uncertainty about the predisposing factors.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in 295 patients who underwent total laryngectomy.

RESULTS

Of the 295 patients, 37 (12.5%) developed PCF. The contributing factors,--such as early oral feeding postoperatively, prior radiotherapy or tracheostomy, accompanying neck dissection,--and the surgical technique failed to show a statistically significant effect. There was statistically significant association between tumor size and PCF formation. Also, when the suture materials used for the closure of the pharynx were compared, catgut showed a higher rate of PCF formation than vicryl (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The vicryl, when used as a suture material for the closure of the pharynx, seemed to decrease the fistula rate significantly, compared with catgut. Also, tumor stage was found to have a significant role in PCF formation, but no statistical significant difference could be demonstrated for other investigated parameters. We believe that after total laryngectomy, oral feeding can be started at the third postoperative day without increasing morbidity, which makes the patients feel more comfortable and confident without nasogastric tube.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis: a review of its clinical spectrum and current therapies

With the increased use of antibiotics and immunosuppressive agents, oropharyngeal candidiasis is becoming more common. This infection is also associated with such advances in medical management as chemotherapy and organ transplantation and with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Various topical and systemic agents are available to treat patients with candidiasis, but optimal management can be elusive. Treatment of uncomplicated oropharyngeal candidiasis in the immunocompetent patient involves selecting a particular formulation of a topical medication based on oral conditions, length of contact time, and taste, texture, and cost of the medication. Treatment of severe oropharyngeal candidiasis, particularly in patients with a compromised immune system, is often more difficult, and relapses are common. Reports of resistance to systemic agents, particularly in patients needing recurrent therapy, are increasing. Amphotericin B, long used as an intravenous agent, is now available as an oral suspension that may offer therapeutic benefits comparable to those of systemic therapy without the toxicity associated with systemic absorption.

Epidemiological significance of cutaneous, pharyngeal, and digestive tract colonization by multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii in ICU patients

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the relative epidemiological role of digestive tract colonization by Acinetobacter baumannii, in comparison with other body site colonizations, in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). From January to May 1995, axillary, pharyngeal and rectal swabs were taken together within the first 48 h of admission, and then weekly during ICU stay. Seventy-three patients were included, 48 of them (66%) had axillary, pharyngeal, or rectal colonization with A. baumannii, nine (19%) of these 48 during the first 48 h and the remaining 28 (77%) during the first week. Twenty-one (29%) had clinical samples positive for A. baumannii and axillary, pharyngeal, or rectal colonization. In 15 of these 21 (71%), colonization on body sites occurred prior to isolation from clinical samples (mean seven days, range 1-20). Throughout admission, rates of detection of A. baumannii were 75% (36/48) for axillary or pharyngeal swabs and 77% (37/48) for rectal swabs. Combination of two body site swabs yielded culture positive rates of 90% (43/48) for axillary-pharyngeal or axillary-rectal sites, and 96% (46/48) for pharyngeal-rectal. Two epidemic clones were defined by antibiotype and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of SmaI DNA digests in 48 isolates from 11 patients. We conclude that body sites of patients were a major reservoir for A. baumannii infections in the outbreak. This finding cases doubt on the value of selective decontamination of the digestive tract as an additional infection control measure in this kind of outbreak. The weekly performance of pharyngeal and rectal swabs appears to detect A. baumannii colonization early among ICU patients and enables barrier methods to be applied rapidly.

Genital colonisation and infection with candida in heterosexual and homosexual males

OBJECTIVES

To determine the penile, perianal, and oropharyngeal candidal colonisation rates among homosexual and heterosexual males attending an STD clinic. To determine the prevalence of balanitis and candidal balanitis in the two groups.

SUBJECTS

252 heterosexual and 210 homosexual male patients attending consecutively the STD clinic in Coventry, England.

DESIGN

A prospective study recording sexual behaviour, relevant history, symptoms, and examination. Specimens for candida culture were collected from the glans penis, perianal area, and oropharynx.

RESULTS

Among the 462 men studied, penile, perianal, and oropharyngeal colonisation rates were 74 (16%), 70 (15%), and 116 (25%) respectively. On examination, 47 (10%) were found to have balanitis. Of the 74 patients with penile colonisation, 26 (37%) were symptomatic and 20 (27%) had balanitis. The 223 heterosexual and the 196 homosexual males who had sexual intercourse within 3 months had comparable colonisation rates of candida on the penis, perianal area, and oropharynx. Balanitis was seen in 31 heterosexuals (14%) and candidal balanitis in 16 (7%); the incidence was significantly less in homosexuals where balanitis was seen in 12 (6%) and candidal balanitis in four (2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Itching or burning sensations after sex were the most common symptoms associated with penile colonisation with candida and were present in more than one third. Candidal balanitis was commoner in those who had vaginal than those who had anal intercourse within 3 months.