Introduction
The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytoses in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients as well as to analyze the influence of CD4+ T-cell level in the Dermatology and STD Outpatient Department of Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Himayat sagar road, Hyderabad (Telangana state). The patients were tested for dermatophytic infections, as well as for the CD4+ T-cell counts.
A total of 120 HIV-seropositive patients were included in this study, among which 38 were diagnosed of dermatophytosis.
A majority of patients were in the 21-30 years’ age group. Tinea cruris was seen in majority of the cases, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common culprit.
Cutaneous fungal infections have been reported worldwide as being one of the most common human infectious diseases in clinical practice.
Dermatophytoses in individuals with HIV infection seem to manifest with atypical, multiple, or extensive lesions more frequently.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dermatophytic infections among HIV-seropositive patients and their relation with CD4 count.
This single-center prospective study was conducted in all HIV-seropositive patients (by double ELISA methods) who attended the Dermatology and STD Outpatient Department of Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Himayat sagar road, Hyderabad (Telangana state), from March 2015 to September 2016. They were screened for cutaneous fungal infections and those who tested positive were recruited for this study.
Results
A total of 120 HIV-seropositive patients were included in this study, among which 38 were diagnosed of dermatophytosis. Most patients were in the 21-30 years’ age group. Tinea cruris was the most common variant, and T. rubrum was the most common offending pathogen. It was also found that the CD4+ T-cell count does not influence the occurrence of dermatophytoses.
Conclusion
Superficial fungal infections are a common yet significant problem in HIV infection. They are characterized by the diversity of clinical aspects; the lesions are mostly caused by T. rubrum. It is essential that optimum treatment should be administered.
Challenges and Opportunities in Establishing and Maintaining Newborn Screening in a Rural Area of Andhra Pradesh – Task Force Study by Indian Council of Medical Research.
OBJECTIVEThe primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility of setting up newborn screening in rural areas in India. Secondary objective was to enhance the knowledge and awareness towards early detection of diseases by newborn screening, management of the affected baby and to impart genetic counseling.
METHODSAwareness programs were conducted at different mandals in the district for the medical practioners during the preparatory phase of the Task Force Project. Educative lectures and clinical meetings regarding the importance and relevance of newborn screening were held every 3 months initially and half yearly later.
Families were counselled during antenatal check-ups.RESULTSGood co-operation was obtained from medical doctors and their willingness to participate in sample collection from the hospitals. Families accepted screening after an initial period of resistance.
The fact that screening of this kind will help their babies made a positive impact. Many families started promoting newborn screening to their friends and relations.
Confirmation of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were satisfactory with almost negligible number of cases lost to follow-up.CONCLUSIONSWith proper planning and commitment on the part of health authorities, it is possible to implement newborn screening in rural areas in India as well.