Patterns of Occupational Exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Health Care Personnel in a Tertiary Care Institute in South India - A Retrospective Case Series.

Background: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for occupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure involves the comprehensive measures used to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus through various strategies such as first aid, counseling, risk assessment, relevant laboratory investigations with informed consent, the provision of short-term anti-retroviral drugs, and follow-up testing.

Aim And Objectives: We sought to investigate the patterns and causes of occupational exposure in health care workers (HCWs) in our institute and the usage of PEP in our center, a tertiary care hospital in south India.

Materials And Methods: The study involved a retrospective analysis of data extracted from the records of PEP usage from the anti-retroviral treatment (ART) center attached to the dermatology, venereology and leprosy out-patient department of a tertiary care center in south India.

Leg ulcers in active lepromatous leprosy associated with cryoglobulinaemia.

A 40-year-old male agricultural labourer presented with active lepromatous leprosy and painful leg ulcers of 2 months' duration. Biopsy from the ulcer showed nonspecific changes. Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and positive rheumatoid factor made us suspect underlying cryoglobulinaemia.

Cutaneous anthrax: an endemic outbreak in south India.

Although human anthrax has become rare, endemic outbreaks still occur in tropical countries, parts of South America and Europe. We report 23 cases of cutaneous anthrax due to an endemic outbreak of animal and human anthrax in South India. These patients were admitted to our hospital between July 1998 and July 2001.

An Indian case of keratoderma hereditarium mutilans (Vohwinkel's syndrome) associated with ichthyosiform dermatosis.

Keratoderma hereditarium mutilans (KHM) or Vohwinkel's syndrome (VS) is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant disease, but a recessive type has occasionally been described. We report a 19-year-old male born to consanguineous parents, who presented with KHM associated with generalized ichthyosiform dermatosis. On examination, his generalized ichthyosiform dermatosis was accompanied by severe 'honey comb' like palmoplantar keratoderma and marked hyperhidrosis.

Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica in two siblings.

Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica (ACD), a rare distinct type of primary cutaneous amyloidosis was noted in two siblings: a 25-year-old male and his brother aged 20 years. It was characterized by reticulate hyperpigmentation with hypopigmented spots seen almost all over the body without any papulation. This familial disorder has been reported mostly from Japan.

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of nerves in leprosy.

Leprosy is primarily a disease of the peripheral nerves and a technique that is simpler than nerve biopsy is required to evaluate nerve involvement, especially in pure neuritic (PN) leprosy. This study was designed to evaluate the role of FNAC of the nerve in the diagnosis and classification of leprosy. A prospective study was carried out on 25 patients with clinically active leprosy and at least one thickened peripheral sensory nerve.

Alkaptonuric ochronosis presenting as palmoplantar pigmentation.

We describe a 37-year-old woman who presented with palmoplantar pigmentation, thickening and pitting of 4 years duration. Bluish pigmented patches were seen over the sclera of her eyes. Her lumbar spine showed typical calcification of the intervertebral discs.