Development of a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay for Leishmania major/Leishmania killicki/Leishmania infantum discrimination from clinical samples, application in a Tunisian focus.

Topoisomerase II gene of Leishmania genus was used to develop a molecular tool for detection and species differentiation of Leishmania from clinical samples. Identification was achieved by a polymerase chain reaction followed by digestion with 2 restriction endonucleases BstU1 and Taq1. Despite the relatively low sensitivity, it is able to differentiate between 3 complexes responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

[Vitiligo and quality of life: a case-control study].

Background: Vitiligo is a common and visible form of leukoderma that can adversely affect the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of vitiligo on the quality of life of patients.

Patients And Methods: This was a cross-sectional case-control study performed between 1 September 2000 and 31 December 2001.

Acenocoumarol and vasculitis: a case report.

A 62-year-old woman was referred to the dermatology department for a history of fever, asthenia and cutaneous rash, which appeared after a 3-day course of digitalin and acenocoumarol for atrial fibrillation. The physical examination revealed multiple round confluent purpuric lesions over her entire legs with no blistering. Laboratory exams were all negative.

[Epidemiological and clinical profile of superficial mycoses in the Monastir region (Tunisia). Retrospective study (1991-1994) of 3578 cases].

Despite of socio-economical improvement in our population and the efficacy of available antifungal treatment, superficial mycoses remain a common condition in dermatologic practice. To determine the epidemio-clinical pattern of superficial mycoses in our region, a retrospective study of 3578 cases have been carried out in the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Monastir during a 4 year-period. The mean age of patients was 33 years (range: 6 months-91 years).