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Barthel L, Hetze S, Teuber-Hanselmann S, Chapot V, Sure U. Syphilitic Gummata in the Central Nervous System: A Narrative Review and Case Report about a Noteworthy Clinical Manifestation. Microorganisms 2021; 9:906. [PMID: 33922782 PMCID: PMC8145658 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Treponema pallidum is on the rise. In this narrative literature review, we show that the incidence of rare manifestations of syphilis, such as intracerebral gummata, is increasing and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracerebral lesions. With the exemplary case that we present here, we aim to raise awareness of the resurgence of this disease, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracerebral lesions, especially for patients who have a risk profile for syphilis, and serological testing for T. pallidum prior to surgery should be discussed in order to avoid an unnecessary operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Barthel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Susann Hetze
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sarah Teuber-Hanselmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Valérie Chapot
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sure
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Cerebral Syphilitic Gumma Can Arise Within Months of Reinfection: A Case of Histologically Proven Treponema pallidum Strain Type 14b/f Infection With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positivity. Sex Transm Dis 2019; 45:e1-e4. [PMID: 28876292 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A 44-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus positivity developed cerebral gumma 6 months after appropriate therapy for secondary syphilis. It was surgically resected and histologically, Treponema pallidum (14b/f, a relatively rare strain type) was proven. A complete set of modern techniques was performed to depict rare complication of this classic disease.
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Abstract
Although cerebral syphilitic gummas are generally considered to be rare manifestations of tertiary syphilis, many reports exist of early cerebral syphilitic gumma. Our finding of cerebral syphilitic gumma in an HIV-negative man within 5 months after syphilis infection suggests that this condition should be considered in syphilis patients who have neurologic symptoms.
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Faropoulos K, Zolota V, Gatzounis G. Occipital lobe gumma: a case report and review of the literature. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2017; 159:199-203. [PMID: 27838791 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-016-3015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Syphilis has plagued humanity for thousands of years. Despite the measures of precaution against its transmission and the advancement of modern pharmacology, late-stage phenomena like intracerebral gumma are not uncommon even today. We present a complex case, which has misled the physicians twice. Additionally, we performed a review of the contemporary literature about the common location, clinical findings and up-to-date treatment of intracerebral gummas.
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Abstract
HIV and syphilis affect similar patient groups and coinfection is common. All patients presenting with syphilis should be offered HIV testing and vice versa. Syphilis can enhance the transmission of HIV. Detection and treatment of syphilis can probably help to reduce HIV transmission. Syphilis may present with atypical features in the HIV-positive patient, for example, there is a higher rate of asymptomatic primary syphilis, and proportionately more HIV-positive patients present with secondary disease. Secondary infection may be more aggressive and there is an increased rate of early neurologic and ophthalmic involvement. Diagnosis is generally made with serology, but the clinician should be aware of the potential for false-negative serology in both primary and, less commonly, in secondary syphilis. All HIV-positive patients should be treated with a penicillin-based regimen, and alternative therapies should be used with caution. All HIV-positive patients should be considered for the evaluation of neurosyphilis. Relapse is a real concern and careful follow up is required. This review will explore the differences in clinical manifestations in HIV-coinfected individuals, and will discuss data to warrant different management in HIV-coinfected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Rani Karumudi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, SUNY-Downstate Health Science Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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Hamauchi A, Abe T, Nihira A, Mizobuchi M, Sako K, Ito T. [A case of cerebral syphilitic gumma mimicking a brain tumor]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2014; 54:738-742. [PMID: 25283829 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.54.738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of young immunocompetent woman who was presented with a left parieto-temporal mass as the first and single manifestation of syphilis. A 23 year-old woman with no significant past medical history was reffered to our hospital due to 3 month history of headache. She had a single unprotected sexual intercourse with a promiscuous man 6 month before the time of admission. Physical and neurological examinations revealed no obvious abnormalities. A brain tumor was firstly suggested according to the findings of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the serologic and cerebrospinal fluid test of syphilis proved to be positive, syphilitic gumma was most likely suspected. She responded dramatically to benzylpenicillin potassium. Cerebral syphilitic gumma is a rare manifestations of the neurosyphilis. Treponemal invasion of the cerebrospinal fluid occurs in approximately 25 to 60% of patients after the infection, but most cases spend asymptomatic. Cerebral gumma should be considered in differential diagnosis of any intracranial mass lesions, even in the early syphilitic stages.
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Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections—i.e., infections involving the brain (cerebrum and cerebellum), spinal cord, optic nerves, and their covering membranes—are medical emergencies that are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, or long-term sequelae that may have catastrophic implications for the quality of life of affected individuals. Acute CNS infections that warrant neurointensive care (ICU) admission fall broadly into three categories—meningitis, encephalitis, and abscesses—and generally result from blood-borne spread of the respective microorganisms. Other causes of CNS infections include head trauma resulting in fractures at the base of the skull or the cribriform plate that can lead to an opening between the CNS and the sinuses, mastoid, the middle ear, or the nasopharynx. Extrinsic contamination of the CNS can occur intraoperatively during neurosurgical procedures. Also, implanted medical devices or adjunct hardware (e.g., shunts, ventriculostomies, or external drainage tubes) and congenital malformations (e.g., spina bifida or sinus tracts) can become colonized and serve as sources or foci of infection. Viruses, such as rabies, herpes simplex virus, or polioviruses, can spread to the CNS via intraneural pathways resulting in encephalitis. If infection occurs at sites (e.g., middle ear or mastoid) contiguous with the CNS, infection may spread directly into the CNS causing brain abscesses; alternatively, the organism may reach the CNS indirectly via venous drainage or the sheaths of cranial and spinal nerves. Abscesses also may become localized in the subdural or epidural spaces. Meningitis results if bacteria spread directly from an abscess to the subarachnoid space. CNS abscesses may be a result of pyogenic meningitis or from septic emboli associated with endocarditis, lung abscess, or other serious purulent infections. Breaches of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) can result in CNS infections. Causes of such breaches include damage (e.g., microhemorrhage or necrosis of surrounding tissue) to the BBB; mechanical obstruction of microvessels by parasitized red blood cells, leukocytes, or platelets; overproduction of cytokines that degrade tight junction proteins; or microbe-specific interactions with the BBB that facilitate transcellular passage of the microorganism. The microorganisms that cause CNS infections include a wide range of bacteria, mycobacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, spirochaetes (e.g., neurosyphilis), and parasites (e.g., cerebral malaria and strongyloidiasis). The clinical picture of the various infections can be nonspecific or characterized by distinct, recognizable clinical syndromes. At some juncture, individuals with severe acute CNS infections require critical care management that warrants neuro-ICU admission. The implications for CNS infections are serious and complex and include the increased human and material resources necessary to manage very sick patients, the difficulties in triaging patients with vague or mild symptoms, and ascertaining the precise cause and degree of CNS involvement at the time of admission to the neuro-ICU. This chapter addresses a wide range of severe CNS infections that are better managed in the neuro-ICU. Topics covered include the medical epidemiology of the respective CNS infection; discussions of the relevant neuroanatomy and blood supply (essential for understanding the pathogenesis of CNS infections) and pathophysiology; symptoms and signs; diagnostic procedures, including essential neuroimaging studies; therapeutic options, including empirical therapy where indicated; and the perennial issue of the utility and effectiveness of steroid therapy for certain CNS infections. Finally, therapeutic options and alternatives are discussed, including the choices of antimicrobial agents best able to cross the BBB, supportive therapy, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Joseph Layon
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania USA
| | - Andrea Gabrielli
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida USA
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Widening the differential for brain masses in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: syphilitic cerebral gummata. Am J Med Sci 2013; 346:253-5. [PMID: 23588265 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e31828c9f22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A 39-year-old man with newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was admitted with right-sided weakness, right-sided vision loss and slurred speech, which worsened over several weeks. Brain imaging revealed bilateral intraparenchymal ring-enhancing lesions and enhancement of the right optic nerve. Serological findings were positive for venereal disease research laboratory test, whereas the cerebrospinal fluid venereal disease research laboratory test was nonreactive. Brain biopsy suggested a diagnosis of syphilitic cerebral gummata, and the patient's improvement with penicillin and dexamethasone further supported this etiology. Syphilitic cerebral gummata have rarely been reported in patients with HIV infection. This patient demonstrates that cerebral gummata should be considered in the differential diagnosis in immunocompromised patients with characteristic brain masses, that HIV and syphilis often coexist with early neurosyphilis appearing more frequently in this patient population and that normal cerebrospinal fluid studies may not represent a true lack of syphilitic activity in HIV patients.
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Yoon YK, Kim MJ, Chae YS, Kang SH. Cerebral syphilitic gumma mimicking a brain tumor in the relapse of secondary syphilis in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2013; 53:197-200. [PMID: 23634274 PMCID: PMC3638277 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2013.53.3.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of cerebral syphilitic gumma is frequently determined at the time of surgery, because imaging and laboratory findings demonstrate the elusive results. A 59-year-old woman presenting dysarthria showed a mass on her brain computed tomography. She was first suspected of brain tumor, but histological results from surgical resection revealed cerebral gumma due to neurosyphilis. After operation, she presented fever and rash with an infiltration on a chest X-ray. Histological assessment of skin was consistent with syphilis. Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test IgG in cerebrospinal fluid was positive. She was successfully treated with ceftriaxone for 14 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Kyung Yoon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Prevalence and epidemiological traits of HIV infections in populations with high-risk behaviours as revealed by genetic analysis of HBV. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 141:2410-7. [PMID: 23347648 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812003123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and epidemiological traits of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in high-risk populations (HRPs) remained unclarified in Japan. We determined the prevalence of HIV, HBV and Treponema pallidum (TP) and the viral genotypes in HRPs who attended primary sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Osaka province during 2006-2011. Of 7898 specimens, 133 (1·7%) were HIV positive, which was significantly higher than the figures reported by Japanese Red Cross (0·0019%) and public health centres (0·27%) in Japan. The frequency of HIV-1 subtype B was 88·7%, followed by CRF01_AE (2·3%) and C (0·8%), which were almost identical to the national trend. HBV seroprevalence was surprisingly high in the HIV-positive group (63·2%), which was significantly higher than that in the HIV-negative group (25·6%). By contrast, there was no statistical correlation between HIV and TP infection. Interestingly, the distinct HBV genotypes Ae and G were prevalent in the HIV-positive population (60·0% and 20·0%, respectively), although both were rarely detected during nationwide surveillance. The transmission of HIV and HBV appeared to occur largely within a closed community early in life. Of note, about one-quarter of HIV-positive cases would have remained untested if health professionals had not motivated individuals to undergo HIV testing. This is the first evidence-based assessment of HIV positivity and HIV/HBV co-infection in HRPs at primary STIs in Japan and the effect of the involvement of health professionals in the diagnosis of HIV infections in asymptomatic carriers. The genotyping of HBV provided valuable information for understanding HIV epidemical traits.
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Evaluation of a PCR test for detection of treponema pallidum in swabs and blood. J Clin Microbiol 2012; 50:546-52. [PMID: 22219306 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00702-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilis diagnosis is based on clinical observation, serological analysis, and dark-field microscopy (DFM) detection of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, the etiological agent of syphilis, in skin ulcers. We performed a nested PCR (nPCR) assay specifically amplifying the tpp47 gene of T. pallidum from swab and blood specimens. We studied a cohort of 294 patients with suspected syphilis and 35 healthy volunteers. Eighty-seven of the 294 patients had primary syphilis, 103 had secondary syphilis, 40 had latent syphilis, and 64 were found not to have syphilis. The T. pallidum nPCR results for swab specimens were highly concordant with syphilis diagnosis, with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 95%. Reasonable agreement was observed between the results obtained with the nPCR and DFM methods (kappa = 0.53). No agreement was found between the nPCR detection of T. pallidum in blood and the diagnosis of syphilis, with sensitivities of 29, 18, 14.7, and 24% and specificities of 96, 92, 93, and 97% for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), plasma, serum, and whole-blood fractions, respectively. HIV status did not affect the frequency of T. pallidum detection in any of the specimens tested. Swab specimens from mucosal or skin lesions seemed to be more useful than blood for the efficient detection of the T. pallidum genome and, thus, for the diagnosis of syphilis.
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12
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PCR Detection of
Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum
, and
Mycoplasma genitalium. Mol Microbiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555816834.ch25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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McVey M, Cameron W, MacPherson P. When infections collide—gummatous syphilis in an HIV-infected individual. Int J Infect Dis 2010; 14 Suppl 3:e283-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Cadavid
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, 02129, USA.
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Lee CW, Lim MJ, Son D, Lee JS, Cheong MH, Park IS, Lim MK, Kim E, Ha Y. A case of cerebral gumma presenting as brain tumor in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patient. Yonsei Med J 2009; 50:284-8. [PMID: 19430565 PMCID: PMC2678706 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2009.50.2.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2007] [Revised: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis, along with the recent increase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, has also been on the rise. It has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, among which cerebral gumma is, a kind of neurosyphilis, however, it is rare and can be cured by penicillin. Thus, cerebral gumma needs to be differentially diagnosed from other brain masses that may be present in syphilis patients. We have experienced a case where the patient was first suspected of brain tumor, but confirmed by surgery to be cerebral gumma due to neurosyphilis. This is the first such case encountered in Korea, therefore, we report it here in. A 40-year old woman complaining of headaches was found to have a brain mass on her CT scans and MRI. Suspecting a brain Tumor, a resection was performed on the patient, and histological results revealed that the central portion of the mass contained necrotic material and the peripheral region was infiltrated with plasma cells. Warthin-Starry staining of the region revealed spirochetes, and the patient was thus diagnosed as brain gumma. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was reactive. After an operation, penicillin-G at a daily dose of 24 x 10(6) U was given for 10 days from post-operative day 10, and thereafter, the mass disappeared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Mi-Jin Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dongwook Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Moon-Hyun Cheong
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - In Shu Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myoung-Kwan Lim
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Eunsil Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daesung General Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yoon Ha
- Department of Neurosuergery, Yonsei University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Fargen KM, Alvernia JE, Lin CS, Melgar M. Cerebral syphilitic gummata: a case presentation and analysis of 156 reported cases. Neurosurgery 2009; 64:568-75; discussioin 575-6. [PMID: 19240620 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000337079.12137.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral syphilitic gummata are rare manifestations of tertiary, meningovascular syphilis. No extensive characterization of these lesions has been published recently, and only a few small reviews containing imaging findings have been published to date. To better characterize cerebral gummata, we present a case seen at Tulane University, followed by an extensive review of the literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 56-year-old man with a history of treated syphilis presented with seizures and confusion. A rapid plasma reagin titer was reactive in serum but Venereal Disease Research Laboratory results were negative in cerebrospinal fluid. Neuroimaging demonstrated an occipital lesion and the patient underwent subtotal resection. The pathological examination demonstrated a syphilitic gumma containing Treponema pallidum visualized by fluorescence immunostaining. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed for published case reports of cerebral gummata. RESULTS One hundred fifty-six cases containing 185 lesions were located. Patients presented with signs and symptoms based on location. Lesions are more common in men (64%) and those aged 18 to 39 years. Cerebrospinal fluid syphilis tests were positive in 64%. Lesions are located everywhere but are most common on the convexities (66%). Computed tomography usually reveals a hypodense lesion that enhances. Magnetic resonance imaging usually demonstrates hypointensity on T1, hyperintensity on T2, and enhancement with gadolinium. Most patients are responsive to antiluetic therapy, with the majority demonstrating complete or near-complete imaging and symptom resolution. CONCLUSION Cerebral gummata are rare lesions. Intravenous penicillin G with imaging follow-up is recommended for most patients. Surgery should be reserved for those unresponsive to antibiotics or those with acutely elevated intracranial pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Fargen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0265, USA.
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Morshed MG, Maguire J, Lee MK, Zwimpfer T, Willoughby B, Clement J, Crawford RI, Barberie J, Gul S, Jones H. Neurosyphilitic gumma in a homosexual man with HIV infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Int J STD AIDS 2008; 19:568-9. [DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2007.007287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The brain gumma is a rare manifestation of the tertiary stage of syphilis. A case of neurosyphilitic gumma was confirmed by the Treponema pallidum polymerase chain reaction in a 46-year-old HIV-positive homosexual man. The patient presented with a severe headache and was hospitalized. A computed tomography scan was performed which revealed a left frontal lobe mass. Lymphoma was suspected. However, infectious disease diagnostics were performed on the cerebrospinal fluid that included investigations for syphilis and other microbiological agents such as Toxoplasma gondii. This revealed a reactive venereal disease research laboratory test, a reactive syphilis rapid plasma reagin and a reactive T. pallidum particle agglutination test. The patient was treated for syphilis till complete recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad G Morshed
- Laboratory Services, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC)
| | - John Maguire
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
| | - Min-Kuang Lee
- Laboratory Services, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
| | | | | | | | - Richard I Crawford
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC)
- St Paul's Hospital
| | | | | | - Hugh Jones
- Department of Family Practice, UBC
- Division of STI/HIV Prevention and Control, BCCDC, Canada
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Nguyen H, Saadat P, Bennett RG. Penile Basal Cell Carcinoma: Two Cases Treated with Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Remarks on Pathogenesis. Dermatol Surg 2008; 32:135-44. [PMID: 16393615 DOI: 10.1111/1524-4725.2006.32022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Darwish BS, Fowler A, Ong M, Swaminothan A, Abraszko R. Intracranial syphilitic gumma resembling malignant brain tumour. J Clin Neurosci 2008; 15:308-10. [PMID: 18187326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2006.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2006] [Revised: 07/29/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report a patient with a temporal lobe syphilitic gumma mimicking a malignant brain tumour in a 43-year-old immunocompetent man. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically and using polymerase chain reaction. Syphilitic gummatous involvement of the central nervous system is rare, with only a few cases having been reported. The unique feature of this case was the extensive oedema surrounding the lesion, suggestive of an active process.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Darwish
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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20
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Weinert LS, Scheffel RS, Zoratto G, Samios V, Jeffmann MW, Dora JM, Goldani LZ. Cerebral syphilitic gumma in HIV-infected patients: case report and review. Int J STD AIDS 2008; 19:62-4. [DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2007.007007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurosyphilis presenting as a cerebral gumma is an uncommon event. To date there are seven cases of cerebral gumma reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. We describe a HIV-infected patient with neurosyphilis presenting as an expanding central nervous system lesion and unremarkable cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This case report illustrates the clinical and therapeutic aspects of syphilitic gumma in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia S Weinert
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael S Scheffel
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Zoratto
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Samios
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo W Jeffmann
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - José Miguel Dora
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciano Z Goldani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cli'nicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Wu CC, Tsai CN, Wong WR, Hong HS, Chuang YH. Early congenital syphilis and erythema multiforme-like bullous targetoid lesions in a 1-day-old newborn: detection of Treponema pallidum genomic DNA from the targetoid plaque using nested polymerase chain reaction. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 55:S11-5. [PMID: 16843116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2005] [Revised: 11/15/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A 1-day-old male newborn was born with respiratory distress, low birth weight, hepatosplenomegaly, and bullous targetoid skin lesions over the face, back, buttocks, and extremities. A diagnosis of early congenital syphilis was made based on a treponemal serologic test. Pathologic examination of the skin lesion showed scattered dyskeratotic cells in the epidermis and interface dermatitis consistent with erythema multiforme. No spirochete could be found in the skin sections staining with Warthin-Starry stain. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, treponemal genomic DNA fragments encoding DNA polymerase I were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Chang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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David G, Perpoint T, Boibieux A, Pialat JB, Salord H, Devouassoux M, Chidiac C, Peyramond D. Secondary pulmonary syphilis: report of a likely case and literature review. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 42:e11-5. [PMID: 16392072 DOI: 10.1086/499104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2005] [Accepted: 09/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a homosexual, HIV-positive man with typical secondary syphilis and multiple excavated pulmonary subpleural nodules. Syphilis with direct pulmonary involvement was suggested by a positive result of PCR of a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimen, then confirmed by a positive therapeutic test result. Only 9 reports of pulmonary involvement in secondary syphilis have been reported to date in the English-language literature. Clinicians should be aware of this atypical localization of syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary David
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Lyon, France.
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Otto B, Hermans M, Seifried C, Buchkremer M, Lanfermann H, Sitzer M. Neurosyphilis. DER NERVENARZT 2005; 78:944-7. [PMID: 16228160 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-005-2004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis in the acute stage is based on clinical symptoms (nonspecific prodromi, neuropsychological deficits, epileptic seizures) in combination with typical CSF abnormalities (lymphomonozytic pleocytosis) and MR imaging abnormalities assumed to be typical for herpes simplex encephalitis (increased fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2 hyperintensities in the mesiotemporal lobe region). Definite diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis is based on positive polymerase chain reaction in the CSF, usually available some days after hospital admission. Suspected herpes simplex encephalitis requires immediate treatment with acyclovir. Bacterial encephalitis caused by spirochetes may present with similar features but requires different treatment. This should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis. We report a young patient with neurosyphilis whose correct diagnosis could be made only several days after beginning specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Otto
- Klinik für Neurologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Vázquez F, Otero L, Ordás J, Junquera ML, Varela JA. [Up to date in sexually transmitted infections: epidemiology, diagnostic approaches and treatments]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2004; 22:392-411. [PMID: 15355770 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(04)73123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, there have been important advances in sexually transmitted infections such as genome sequencing of Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis or Mycoplasma genitalium; the new taxonomic position of Calymmatobacterium granulomatis; commercial diagnostic systems based on nucleic acid amplification; the emergence of quinolone resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae; new therapeutic approaches in vulvovaginal candidiasis that include boric acid; the demonstration that valacyclovir reduces the risk of transmission of genital herpes or the availability of immune-response modifier in the treatment of genital warts, and that are questions in the goal of this review. Viral hepatitis and HIV were no reviewed by space reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Vázquez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Monte Naranco, Departamento de Biología Funcional, Area de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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Liu H, Rodes B, Chen CY, Steiner B. New tests for syphilis: rational design of a PCR method for detection of Treponema pallidum in clinical specimens using unique regions of the DNA polymerase I gene. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:1941-6. [PMID: 11326018 PMCID: PMC88053 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.5.1941-1946.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A sensitive and specific PCR method to detect Treponema pallidum in clinical specimens was developed. PCR primers were designed based on two unique features of the DNA polymerase I gene (polA). The first distinctive characteristic is that the region codes for a high cysteine content and has low homology with similar regions of DNA polymerase I gene from known microorganisms. The second unique feature is the presence of four insertions in the gene. PCR tests using primers designed on the basis these regions reacted with various pathogenic T. pallidum subspecies but did not react with nonpathogenic treponemal species or other spirochetes. An additional 59 species of bacteria and viruses, including those that cause genital ulcers, tested negative. This PCR method is extremely robust and sensitive. The detection limit is about 10 to 25 organisms when analyzed on gel. However, the analytic sensitivity can be increased by at least 1 log, to a detection limit of a single organism, when the ABI 310 Prism Genetic Analyzer is used to detect fluorescence-labeled amplicons. We further used this test in a clinical setting and compared the results with results from a previously reported multiplex-PCR test (for T. pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi, and herpes simplex virus). We tested 112 genital ulcer specimens by the polA PCR, obtaining a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 95.7%. These results suggest that the polA PCR is applicable as a routine clinical diagnostic test for syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Liu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop D13, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Fox PA, Hawkins DA, Dawson S. Dementia following an acute presentation of meningovascular neurosyphilis in an HIV-1 positive patient. AIDS 2000; 14:2062-3. [PMID: 10997420 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-200009080-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Wade
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital Eye Care Center, Canada
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Black CM, Morse SA. The Use of Molecular Techniques for the Diagnosis and Epidemiologic Study of Sexually Transmitted Infections. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2000; 2:31-43. [PMID: 11095835 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-000-0085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Molecular diagnostic tests are more sensitive and, in many cases, more specific than conventional laboratory methods for the detection of sexually transmitted infections. Here, we review recently developed molecular methods for the diagnosis and subtyping of the most common sexually transmitted infections: infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, human papillomavirus, Trichomonas vaginalis, and the agents of genital ulcer disease (Haemophilus ducreyi, herpes simplex virus, Treponema pallidum, and Calymmatobacterium granulomatis). We also provide an overview of the laboratory diagnostic tests and clinical specimens to use when infection with these agents is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- CM Black
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop A12, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Wicher K, Horowitz HW, Wicher V. Laboratory methods of diagnosis of syphilis for the beginning of the third millennium. Microbes Infect 1999; 1:1035-49. [PMID: 10617935 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(99)80521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite that the whole genome of T. pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, has been sequenced, syphilis is, and will remain for some time, diagnosed by direct clinical observation and by laboratory methods. This review presents comprehensively most of the practical techniques used for direct detection of T. pallidum and lists all practical methods for phospholipid and treponemal antibodies detection. It describes most novel tests for syphilis, discusses problems with sero-creossreactivity in Lyme disease, immune responses in HIV-syphilis coinfected patients, and reviews serologic responses to antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wicher
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
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Wicher K, Abbruscato F, Wicher V, Collins DN, Auger I, Horowitz HW. Identification of persistent infection in experimental syphilis by PCR. Infect Immun 1998; 66:2509-13. [PMID: 9596709 PMCID: PMC108231 DOI: 10.1128/iai.66.6.2509-2513.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The studies described herein were designed to evaluate the usefulness of the PCR in detecting persistent syphilitic infection. Three groups of animals were used: a nonimmune group infected with Treponema pallidum (NI/TP), a nonimmune group injected with heat-killed treponemes (NI/HKTP), and an immune and reinfected group (I/TP). All animals were inoculated with similar numbers of organisms distributed at 10 sites on the clipped back and in both testes. The persistence of the treponemes was examined by PCR and the rabbit infectivity test (RIT). The kinetic studies and statistical analysis of their results demonstrated that the rate of bacterial clearance from the NI/TP group was very low and incomplete at 4 months after infection. It was significantly different from those of both the NI/HKTP (P < 0.001) and I/TP (P < 0.05) groups. No statistically significant differences in treponemal elimination were found between the NI/HKTP and I/TP groups. PCR can detect the DNA of dead organisms, but the latter are eliminated by the host relatively quickly (15 to 30 days) as compared to elimination of live treponemes (>120 days). PCR results correlated well with RIT results. These data suggest that PCR-positive specimens obtained from an untreated patient(s) or collected weeks after treatment indicate persistent infection. They also show that the process of elimination of T. pallidum from primary sites of infection is prolonged and incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wicher
- Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-0509, USA.
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Centurion-Lara A, Castro C, Shaffer JM, Van Voorhis WC, Marra CM, Lukehart SA. Detection of Treponema pallidum by a sensitive reverse transcriptase PCR. J Clin Microbiol 1997; 35:1348-52. [PMID: 9163442 PMCID: PMC229747 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.35.6.1348-1352.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is diagnosed by serologic testing or by identification of the causative agent, Treponema pallidum. The bacterium has historically been detected in clinical specimens by dark-field microscopy, immunostaining with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, or the rabbit inoculation test (RIT). RIT is considered to be very sensitive and specific, although it is available only in research settings and is not clinically useful due to the length of time required to obtain a result. In recent years, several PCR methods have been developed for the detection of T. pallidum, but none of these has shown a clear advantage in sensitivity over RIT. We have developed a specific and highly sensitive reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) that targets a 366 bp region of the 16S rRNA of T. pallidum. This RT-PCR can detect a single organism by Southern analysis when whole organisms are diluted and 10(-2) to 10(-3) T. pallidum organisms when RNA equivalents are used to make cDNA. The test was demonstrated to detect 10(-2) T. pallidum RNA equivalents in cerebrospinal fluid. Twenty different strains of T. pallidum, isolated from cerebrospinal fluids, aqueous humor, blood, and chancres, were shown to be detectable by this test. This efficient and sensitive technique could be more useful than existing methods for detecting very low numbers of organisms in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Centurion-Lara
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA
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Abstract
The organisms that produce bacterial infections of the nervous system in tropical regions are similar to those existing in the rest of the world. However, because of poor socio-economic conditions in the former areas, preventing the implementation of appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic measures, the incidence and course of these diseases may vary. In this paper the neuropathological appearances of the main bacterial diseases are reviewed and the main differences between those occurring in developed and developing countries emphasized. Despite great efforts by governments and communities, tuberculosis still remains a scourge in many countries and leprosy has not been eradicated from earth. Earlier optimism that antibiotics could finally put an end to syphilis have been dashed and the disease still persists. Moreover, the explosion of AIDS not only has produced a recrudescence of many of these diseases, but has also changed their clinical and pathological presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gray
- Laboratoire de Neuropathologie, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré-Faculté de Médecine Paris-Quest, Garches, France.
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Wicher K, Abbruscato F, Wicher V, Baughn R, Noordhoek GT. Target organs of infection in guinea pigs with acquired congenital syphilis. Infect Immun 1996; 64:3174-9. [PMID: 8757850 PMCID: PMC174204 DOI: 10.1128/iai.64.8.3174-3179.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The target organs of infection in guinea pigs with asymptomatic acquired or congenital syphilis were identified by PCR and in some cases by rabbit infectivity test (RIT). The prevalence of Treponema pallidum DNA was examined in the following seven organs: the inguinal and mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidney, heart, and brain. Test samples consisted of 95 organs from two genetically different strains of female guinea pigs (C4-deficient and Albany) with different susceptibilities to cutaneous infection by T. pallidum and 195 organs from their asymptomatic offspring. Twenty organs from dams of both strains injected with heat-killed T. pallidum and 19 organs from their progeny served as negative controls. The infections of mothers and neonates were documented by PCR, RIT, and serology. Though any of the organs tested could be infected, there was a spirochetal predilection for some anatomical locations, such as the lymph nodes, heart, and brain, regardless of the strain, route of maternal infection, and age. None of the 49 organs collected from control animals were positive by PCR. In infected C4-deficient dams, one to four organs were positive by PCR, whereas the organs of 7 of their 27 (25%) asymptomatic offspring were treponemal DNA negative, despite evidence of immunoglobulin M treponemal antibodies. Comparative analysis done by both PCR and RIT on a limited number of samples showed 90% agreement between results. An examination of multiple samples obtained from single organs demonstrated that even within 24 h of spirochetemia, when most organs appeared to be infected, not all samples from an individual organ were positive by PCR. A specific immunological response in guinea pigs with congenital syphilis was a more consistent parameter of vertical transmission than was an analysis of T. pallidum DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wicher
- Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509, USA
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Inagaki H, Kawai T, Miyata M, Nagaya S, Tateyama H, Eimoto T. Gastric syphilis: polymerase chain reaction detection of treponemal DNA in pseudolymphomatous lesions. Hum Pathol 1996; 27:761-5. [PMID: 8760007 DOI: 10.1016/s0046-8177(96)90446-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Syphilis is an unexpected diagnosis in the stomach. To establish the diagnosis, evidence of Treponema pallidum in the gastric lesion is necessary. However, it is sometimes difficult to prove the presence of the organisms by conventional methods. The authors describe two cases of early gastric syphilis with pseudolymphomatous histology in which T pallidum gene was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using paraffin biopsy sections. The gastric lesion of each case endoscopically and histologically simulated that of malignant lymphoma. However, no clonality was proved by immunohistochemistry or PCR gene rearrangement analysis. No spirochetal organisms were detected with certainty by Warthin-Starry silver stain, whereas the organisms were shown by immunofluorescent stain in one patient. A PCR study showed the treponemal DNA in both patients, and its validity was supported by a direct sequencing and a restriction enzyme digestion. Positive results of serological tests for syphilis and regression of the lesions after antisyphilitic treatment were confirmatory of the diagnosis. Gastric syphilis should be considered as a differential diagnosis when an atypical lymphoid infiltrate fails to show monoclonality. The present PCR method would be helpful in showing T pallidum using routinely processed small biopsy specimens as the tissue source.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Inagaki
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya City University Medical School, Japan
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Elola J. Health care system reforms in western European countries: the relevance of health care organization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 1996; 26:239-51. [PMID: 9132374 DOI: 10.2190/tc9k-vqbr-nr64-agvq] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The problems within the health care systems of western European countries, and their current attempts at reform, can be analyzed by comparing those countries having national health care service (NHS) systems with those having social security systems. There are important differences in the structures, processes, and outcomes of these two types of health care systems, and thus in the problems they face. Greater cost control, equity, and, possibly, efficiency in improving the population's health are the advantages of NHS systems; however, public satisfaction is lower than in social security systems. Attempts to overcome this trade-off between the outcomes of the two types of health care systems are the main goal of the reforms. To achieve this goal, there has been a trend toward convergence of NHS and social security systems. For the NHS systems of Latin-rim countries, however, which have received less political commitment and public support than those elsewhere, this means a return to the former social security systems--a trend that may reintroduce the problems associated with these types of systems but without any evidence that public satisfaction will increase.
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Rodriquez-Baño J, Izquierdo G, Muniain MA. Neurosyphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. N Engl J Med 1995; 332:1169; author reply 1170-1. [PMID: 7700294 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199504273321712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Fred HL, Dunn K. A ring-enhancing parietal lobe lesion in an HIV-positive man. HOSPITAL PRACTICE (OFFICE ED.) 1995; 30:66-8. [PMID: 7852469 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.1995.11443150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H L Fred
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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