Immunoperoxidase technique for detecting spirochetes in tissue sections: comparison with other methods.

Background: With the increasing incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and immunosuppressive therapy, the incidence of syphilis has been increasing. Given the fact that the above conditions may mask or obscure the usual clinical signs and symptoms of syphilis, a means of enhanced detection is essential. AIMS METHODS: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an immunoperoxidase method using an antibody against treponemes would increase the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis in biopsies of patients with secondary syphilis.

Cutaneous necrosis associated with recombinant interferon injection. Report of three cases with interferon beta-1b and review of the literature.

Interferons are cytokines produced by cells in response to stimulation by certain antigens and infectious agents. In recent years, recombinant interferons have been developed, which have antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory functions. Several cutaneous reactions have been reported, including cutaneous ulceration at injection sites.

Metastatic epidermotropic squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina.

Epidermotropic carcinomas are neoplasms with an unusual but specific propensity for invading and intimately associating with the epidermis. A unique case of squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina with epidermotropic cutaneous metastases is described.

Acrokeratoelastoidosis.

Acrokeratoelastoidosis is a very rare entity of unknown etiology, characterized by small, firm, yellowish, translucent papules which usually appear on the margins of the hands and feet between the junction of the dorsal and palmar/plantar skin. Histologically, the most characteristic features are hyperkeratosis, mild acanthosis, and, most strikingly, fragmentation of coarse elastic fibers within the reticular dermis. This eruption is variable in terms of its onset, may be sporadic or familial, is generally asymptomatic, and has a prolonged course.