[Human monkeypox (Mpox)].

Until recently, human monkeypox (Mpox) were rarely observed outside of Africa, where the Mpox virus (MPXV) is endemic in some regions. In early May 2022, a global Mpox outbreak occurred. Crucial to this outbreak was human-to-human transmission during sexual activity.

[Exanthema after travel abroad].

In view of globalization and the associated transport of goods as well as rising travel activity, imported infections with subtropical and tropical pathogens are increasing in Germany. In returning travelers presenting with fever, general symptoms and skin rash, a number of diseases need to be considered. The clinical appearance of the skin rash, accurate travel history and epidemiological information on country-specific risks are helpful in making the correct diagnosis.

[HIV infection].

The skin can be an indicator of decreased immunocompetence. Dermatological markers include new and extensive seborrheic eczema, psoriasis without a family history, widespread herpes zoster in young adults, oral hairy leucoplakia and mollusca in adults. In these cases an HIV test should be offered.

A case of linear porokeratosis superimposed on disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis.

We present a female patient with linear porokeratosis of her right arm since childhood. At the age of 67 years she additionally developed disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) involving both lower legs. This uncommon coexistence of two different types of porokeratosis fulfils the clinical criteria of a type 2 segmental manifestation of an autosomal dominant skin disorder, being superimposed on the ordinary nonsegmental lesions and reflecting loss of heterozygosity that occurred at an early developmental stage.

Treatment of condylomata acuminata with pegylated interferon alfa-2b in HIV-infected patients.

Background: Interferon in a variety of topical, interlesional, and parenteral preparations has been used for condylomata acuminata (CA) in HIV negative patients. -

Study Goals: This open trial was initiated to determine the safety and efficacy of a new formulation of interferon, pegylated interferon-alpha2b (PEG-IFN, PegIntron in the treatment of recalcitrant CA in patients with HIV infection. -

Study Design: 22 HIV-1 infected patients in virologic steady state with clinically demonstrable anogenital CA were enrolled in this study (treatment group, n=12; control group, n=10).

Liposomal pegylated doxorubicin versus low-dose recombinant interferon Alfa-2a in the treatment of advanced classic Kaposi's sarcoma; retrospective analysis of three German centers.

Background: Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare neoplasm, predominantly occurring in older subjects of Eastern Europe or Mediterranean descent. While single lesions may be treated by simple excision, laser therapy, cryotherapy, or intralesional therapy, advanced or disseminated disease requires systemic treatment. Several studies reported the effectiveness of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2a (IFNalpha) in the treatment of AIDS-associated KS.

[Treatment of erysipelas in Germany and Austria--results of a survey in German and Austrian dermatological clinics].

Background: Erysipelas is a severe soft tissue infection usually caused by streptococci. The infection is restricted to the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Treatment with antibiotics is essential.

[Screening and therapy of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and anal carcinoma in patients with HIV-infection].

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is a potential precursor of invasive anal carcinoma. Introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the treatment of HIV infection substantially reduced the incidence of some diseases associated with opportunistic viral infections. However, the incidence of AIN is reported to increase and HAART seems to have only little impact on the regression or progression of AIN.

Dermatological diseases and signs of HIV infection.

Therapy of HIV infection has undergone significant changes since the introduction of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Mortality and the appearance of opportunistic infections have significantly been reduced. Diseases of the skin and adjacent mucous membranes often provide the first signs for HIV infection.

Bacillary angiomatosis in HIV-infected patients--an epidemiological and clinical study.

Background: No data were available on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of bacillary angiomatosis (BA) in Germany.

Objective: To determine epidemiological and clinical data on HIV-associated BA.

Methods: A chart review of all BA cases between 1990 and 1998 was performed in 23 German AIDS treatment units.

Active syphilis in HIV infection: a multicentre retrospective survey. The German AIDS Study Group (GASG).

Objective: To study syphilis in HIV infection focusing on immunocompromised patients with an atypical or aggressive clinical course of syphilis, inappropriate serological reactions or an unreliable response to therapy.

Study Design: A multicentre retrospective chart review using a standardised questionnaire for all patients with active syphilis.

Settings: Thirteen dermatological and medical centres throughout Germany, all members of the German AIDS Study Group (GASG).

CMV-antigenemia in peripheral blood for the diagnosis of CMV disease in HIV-infected patients.

In a prospective study of HIV patients with suspected cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease (n = 144; 140 men, four women; aged 23-69 years, median 38 years; CD4 cells 0-400, median 20/microliters), 242 blood samples were examined for the presence of CMV-pp65 antigen in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes by use of monoclonal antibodies and alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase staining. All patients were thoroughly examined for existing CMV disease at first visit and during follow-up (at least 2 months or until death: 0-24 months, median 14 months). In 43/486 samples of patients with CMV disease, the antigen-test was positive and in 179/194 samples of patients without CMV disease the test was negative, resulting in a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 93% for the presence of CMV disease in HIV-infected patients.

Side effects of AZT prophylaxis after occupational exposure to HIV-infected blood.

Unlabelled: It was the objective of this study to document and evaluate AZT-induced short-term toxicity in healthy individuals. The study was designed as a longitudinal monocentric side-effect monitoring study with prospective data collection. It was carried out at the Cologne University Hospital.

Antiproliferative potential of zidovudine in human keratinocyte cultures.

Because the beneficial effects of zidovudine in human immunodeficiency virus infection-associated psoriasis have recently been observed, this study focused on the drug's action on the rapidly proliferating human HaCaT keratinocyte line as an in vitro model for epidermal hyperproliferation. Cultures in log growth phase were exposed to zidovudine for 2 days. Zidovudine slowed proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion as evidenced by 50% inhibition concentrations of 33 mumol/L (cell number), 30 mumol/L (protein content), 0.