Eumycetoma Medical Treatment: Past, Current Practice, Latest Advances and Perspectives

Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease that is associated with poor communities and socioeconomically impaired individuals in the tropical and sub-tropical areas. Interestingly, the disease is caused by either bacteria (actinomycetoma) or fungus (eumycetoma). The latter form of the disease, eumycetoma, is the most common type in Africa. Eumycetoma is characterized by a prolonged disease duration and low cure rate. The effective case management of eumycetoma largely depends on the accurate diagnosis and identification of the causative agent to the species level and evaluating its susceptibility to the available drugs. This review summarizes the currently available and used antifungal agents for the treatment of eumycetoma and discusses optimizing the newly developed antifungals as a potential second line for eumycetoma treatment.

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Chagas Disease Chemotherapy: What Do We Know So Far?

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612827666210216152654 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

Author(s):

Aline Araujo Zuma ◽

Wanderley de Souza

Keyword(s):

Host Cell ◽

Chagas Disease ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Cell Types ◽

Neglected Tropical Disease ◽

Cell Type ◽

Cure Rate ◽

New Compounds

: Chagas disease is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), and although endemic in Latin America, affects around 6-7 million people infected worldwide. The treatment of Chagas disease is based on benznidazole and nifurtimox, which are the only available drugs. However, they are not effective during the chronic phase and cause several side effects. Furthermore, BZ promotes cure in 80% of the patients in the acute phase, but the cure rate drops to 20% in adults in the chronic phase of the disease. In this review, we present several studies published in the last six years, which describes the antiparasitic potential of distinct drugs, from the synthesis of new compounds aiming to target the parasite, as well as the repositioning and the combination of drugs. We highlight several compounds for having shown results that are equivalent or superior to BZ, which means that they should be further studied, either in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, we stand out the differences in the effects of BZ on the same strain of T. cruzi, which might be related to methodological differences such as parasite and cell ratios, host cell type and the time of adding the drug. In addition, we discuss the wide variety of strains and also the cell types used as a host cell, which makes it difficult to compare the trypanocidal effect of the compounds.

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Annotated catalogue of beetles (Coleoptera) of the Socotra Archipelago

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4715.1.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4715 (1) ◽

pp. 1-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

JIŘÍ HÁJEK ◽

JAN BEZDĚK

Keyword(s):

Arabian Peninsula ◽

Species Level ◽

East African ◽

African Species ◽

Old World ◽

Tropical Areas ◽

Annotated Catalogue ◽

Socotra Archipelago ◽

Western Palaearctic ◽

First Time

Beetles of the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen, were catalogued. Altogether, 645 morphospecies from 56 families have been recognised from the Archipelago, of which 516 species (one with an additional two subspecies) were identified to the species level. Twenty-four, mostly widely distributed, species are recorded from the Socotra Archipelago for the first time, and three species are newly recorded for the islands Abd el Kuri (1) and Samha (2). Lithocharis socotrana Assing, 2015 (Staphylinidae), described from Socotra, is recorded from continental Yemen for the first time. Five incomplete or incorrect previous records are corrected. A total of 305 (47%) of all recorded species are considered to be endemic to the Socotra Archipelago. A total of 62 (10%) species are widely distributed Afrotropical species, and 35 (5.5%) East African species, often reaching also the Arabian Peninsula; 16 (2.5%) species occur in the eremial zone of Saharo-Arabian (or Saharo-Sindian) region. Only 14 (2%) species were previously known solely from the Arabian Peninsula; 30 (4.5%) species have cosmopolitan (and often anthropogenic) distributions; 28 (4.5%) species are widely distributed in (sub)tropical areas of the Old World; and 26 (4%) species have a predominantly western Palaearctic distribution. At present, 129 (20%) morphospecies remain unidentified; however, we expect that many of them represent as yet undescribed taxa endemic to the Archipelago.

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Clinicopathological correlation in the diagnosis of granulomatous cutaneous disorders: a retrospective study

International Journal of Research in Dermatology ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4529.intjresdermatol20212549 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 538

Author(s):

Manisha Nijhawan ◽

Divya Yadav ◽

Shivi Nijhawan ◽

Damini Shaktawat

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Care Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Common Type ◽

Accurate Diagnosis ◽

Tertiary Care Center ◽

Clinicopathological Correlation ◽

Cutaneous Tuberculosis ◽

Skin Biopsies ◽

Granulomatous Disorder

Background: To ascertain the various cutaneous granulomatous disorders and clinicopathological concordance in skin biopsies.Methods: The study included the patients with skin biopsy showing granulomatous infiltrate in a tertiary care center. The cases were categorized according to level of concordance into consistent, corroborative and inconsistent based on the concurrence between clinical and histological diagnosis.Results: Of the total 155 granulomatous disorder, 75.48% showed clinicopathological concordance, 19.35% showed corroborative diagnosis while 5.16% were inconsistent. The maximum number of biopsies performed were in the group of young adult (19-49 years, 57.41%). The most common type of granuloma found was of tuberculoid type and disorders were Hansen’s disease, fungal infection and cutaneous tuberculosis.Conclusions: Our study showed that the coordination of dermatologist and pathologist plays a pivotal role in making accurate diagnosis of granulomatous cutaneous dermatoses.

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A Practical Approach to Screening for Strongyloides stercoralis

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed6040203 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 203

Author(s):

Luisa Carnino ◽

Jean-Marc Schwob ◽

Laurent Gétaz ◽

Beatrice Nickel ◽

Andreas Neumayr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immunosuppressive Therapy ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Accurate Diagnosis ◽

Neglected Tropical Disease ◽

Empiric Treatment ◽

Screening Algorithm ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Disseminated Strongyloidiasis ◽

Optimal Accuracy ◽

Testing Array

Strongyloides stercoralis, causative agent of a neglected tropical disease, is a soil-transmitted helminth which may cause lifelong persisting infection due to continuous autoinfection. In the case of immunosuppression, life-threatening hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis can develop. We propose a pragmatic screening algorithm for latent strongyloidiasis based on epidemiologic exposure and immunosuppression status that can be applied for any kind of immunosuppressive therapy. The algorithm allows the diagnosis of latent strongyloidiasis with optimal accuracy in a well-equipped setting, while for endemic settings where the complete testing array is unavailable, an empiric treatment is generally recommended. Accurate diagnosis and extensive empiric treatment will both contribute to decreasing the current neglect of strongyloidiasis.

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Diagnosis of Early Mycosis Fungoides

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11091721 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1721

Author(s):

Tomomitsu Miyagaki

Keyword(s):

Mycosis Fungoides ◽

Clinical Course ◽

Common Type ◽

Accurate Diagnosis ◽

Pathological Findings ◽

Visceral Organ ◽

T Cell Lymphomas ◽

Inappropriate Treatment ◽

Chronic Eczema ◽

Clinical Problems

Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, generally has a favorable clinical course. Early MF typically presents erythematous patches and/or plaques and lasts for many years without affecting the life expectancy. Only limited cases progress to develop skin tumors, with subsequent lymph nodes and rarely visceral organ involvement. One of the clinical problems in early MF is the difficulty in differentiating the disease from benign inflammatory disorders (BIDs), such as atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, and psoriasis. In some MF cases, clinical and pathological findings are similar to those of BIDs. However, the accurate diagnosis of early MF is quite important, as inappropriate treatment including immunosuppressants can cause unfavorable or even fatal outcomes. This article focuses on general methods and novel tools for diagnosis of early MF.

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Sex and age impact prevalence and symptoms of vasovagal syncope: Implications for accurate diagnosis

STEM Fellowship Journal ◽

10.17975/sfj-2021-008 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Hailey Gregson ◽

Ana Ivkov

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Spontaneous Recovery ◽

Vasovagal Syncope ◽

Common Type ◽

Accurate Diagnosis ◽

Loss Of Consciousness ◽

Transient Loss Of Consciousness ◽

Transient Loss ◽

Autonomic Reflex ◽

The Brain

Syncope is characterized by the transient loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery. The mechanism which underlies this condition is reduced blood flow to the brain [1]. Vasovagal syncope, often termed reflex syncope, is the most common type of syncope [1]. Vasovagal Syncope is caused by the abnormal autonomic reflex to certain stimuli such as pain, micturition/defecation, fear, seeing blood, etc., which results in vasodilation and often times, bradycardia [1].

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Various Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Early Multiple System Atrophy

Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽

10.1159/000507292 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (5-6) ◽

pp. 238-243 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yu Jin Jung ◽

Han-Joon Kim ◽

Dallah Yoo ◽

Ji-Hyun Choi ◽

Jin Hee Im ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple System Atrophy ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Rem Sleep Behavior Disorder ◽

Behavior Disorder ◽

Accurate Diagnosis ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Red Flags ◽

Sleep Behavior ◽

Autonomic Dysfunctions ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients present a variety of symptoms other than autonomic dysfunctions, parkinsonism, and cerebellar ataxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of various motor and non-motor symptoms including so-called “red flags” in patients with early MSA and to determine whether the frequency of these symptoms was different between the parkinsonian (MSA-P) and cerebellar (MSA-C) subtypes. Methods: Sixty-one probable or possible MSA patients with disease duration of 3 years or less were included. Patients were classified into MSA-P, MSA-C, and MSA-PC. The frequency of 13 features including various motor and non-motor symptoms that commonly occur in MSA was assessed. Results: Dysarthria was the most prevalent feature (98.4%) followed by sexual dysfunction (95.1%). Probable REM sleep behavior disorder was present in 90.2%. The frequency of constipation (82.0%), dysphagia (68.9%), and snoring (70.5%) was also high. Stridor was present in 42.6% and more common in MSA-C than in MSA-P. Conclusions: Increasing awareness of various motor and non-motor symptoms may assist clinicians to make an early, accurate diagnosis and to improve management of patients with MSA. We suggest that the diagnostic accuracy can be improved if these features are appropriately reflected in the new diagnostic criteria for MSA.

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Neuro-Oncology Clinical Debate: FDG PET to differentiate glioblastoma recurrence from treatment-related changes

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npab027 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ephraim E Parent ◽

Derek R Johnson ◽

Tyler Gleason ◽

Javier E Villanueva-Meyer

Keyword(s):

Fdg Pet ◽

Tumor Recurrence ◽

Current Practice ◽

Radiation Necrosis ◽

Accurate Diagnosis ◽

Emission Tomography ◽

Imaging Tool ◽

Positron Emission ◽

Optimal Patient Care ◽

Glioblastoma Recurrence

Abstract The ability to accurately differentiate treatment related changes (i.e. pseudoprogression and radiation necrosis) from recurrent glioma remains a critical diagnostic problem in neuro-oncology. Because these entities are treated differently and have vastly different outcomes, accurate diagnosis is necessary to provide optimal patient care. In current practice, this diagnostic quandary commonly requires either serial imaging or histopathologic tissue confirmation. In this article, experts in the field debate the utility of 2-deoxy-2[ 18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) as an imaging tool to distinguish tumor recurrence from treatment-related changes in a patient with glioblastoma and progressive contrast enhancement on MR following chemoradiotherapy.

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Scabies in Koranic schools in Dakar, Senegal: Comparison of two therapeutic modalities

Public Health of Indonesia ◽

10.36685/phi.v7i4.456 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 172-181

Author(s):

Ly Fatimata ◽

Faye Adama ◽

Wone Issa ◽

Lelo Souleye ◽

Diouf Astou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Trial ◽

Optimal Treatment ◽

Tropical Disease ◽

Prospective Randomized Trial ◽

Neglected Tropical Disease ◽

Cure Rate ◽

Benzyl Benzoate ◽

Therapeutic Modalities ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Background: In 2017, WHO recognized scabies as a neglected tropical disease. The optimal treatment is not well defined in some communities.Objective: This study aimed to compare ivermectin and benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies in Koranic schools (or "daara") in Dakar (region).Methods: This was a prospective randomized trial conducted from January to October 2018 in Senegal. Any resident living in the selected "daara" and diagnosed with scabies was included. The administered treatments were benzyl benzoate (BB) or ivermectin. At the outset, if one case of scabies was diagnosed, all residents received treatment. Ivermectin was given at the dose of 200 mg/kg. The same treatment was repeated on day 7 for each group, the endpoint was at D14, and the data were analyzed with STATA 14.Results: Fifteen "daara" were included. Of the 959 residents, 70 were diagnosed with scabies: prevalence of 7.29%. All patients except one were male; the mean age was 9.98 years (4-17). At D14, in the BB arm, cure rate was 42.85% (n = 15) while in the ivermectin arm, this rate was 5.71% (n = 2) with a significant difference (p = 0.01). On D28, the cure rate was still higher in the BB group 57.14 (n=20) versus ivermectin 21.42 (n = 6) with a significant difference (p = 0.004). On D42, all patients except eight were cured. At D14, we found a link between the cure rate, the number of people in the room (p = 0.01), and the number of showers per week (p = 0.01) but no link with the number of people per "daara" (p = 0.163). At D28, we found a link between the cure rate, the number of people sleeping in the room (p = 0.03), and the number of showers per week (p = 0.01) but not with the number of people per "daara" (p = 0.07).Conclusion: In Koranic schools, the cure rate is higher with benzyl benzoate compared to ivermectin.

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The epidemiological dimension of TB/HIV co-infection

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/s0104-11692009000500014 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 17 (5) ◽

pp. 683-688 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes Santos ◽

Maria Amélia Zanon Ponce ◽

Silvia Helena Figueiredo Vendramini ◽

Tereza Cristina Scatena Villa ◽

Natália Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽

Death Rate ◽

Control Program ◽

Common Type ◽

Tuberculosis Control ◽

Cure Rate ◽

Notification System ◽

Pulmonary Tb ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Tuberculosis Control Program

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological indicators of TB/HIV co-infection in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil from 1998 to 2006. Data of new TB cases that initiated treatment between January 1998 and December 2006 were obtained from the TB Notification System (EPI-TB) and 306 cases were reported. The incidence rate was 5.1/100,000 inhabitants in 2006. Most cases were men (72.5%) with ages ranging between 20 and 59 years (96.4 %). The majority (51%) had incomplete primary education. Pulmonary TB was the most common type (52.9%) and 46.1% of the patients received supervised treatment. In 2006, the cure rate was 33.3%, 14.3% death rate and no patient abandoned the treatment. Diagnosis occurred at the hospital in 60% of the cases. Results show the need of improved coordination between the city's Tuberculosis Control Program and the Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV Program.

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