Occurrence of genital ulcer due to herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) in attendees of a regional centre for sexually transmitted infections, central India: how disturbing is it?

Background: Genital herpes is caused predominantly by Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and less commonly by HSV-1. Genital HSV-1 infection results from oral sex, with fewer recurrences, mild symptoms, less asymptomatic shedding and poor genital transmission. The present study was undertaken to identify frequency of occurrence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in genital herpes by microscopy, serology and Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Methods: Genital ulcer swabs and serum were collected at regional STI centre, Govt Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur. A total of 53 patients of Genital Ulcer Disease from December 2020 -22 were examined for etiology by microscopy, serum IgM and IgG against HSV-1 and 2 by ELISA and HSV-1 and 2 DNA by RT- PCR. Results: Out of 53 genital swabs processed, 6 (11.3%) and 28 (52.8%) samples were positive for HSV-1 and 2 DNA respectively. Of the 6 HSV-1 DNA positive samples, seropositivity for HSV-1 IgM was in 2 (33.3%) samples and for HSV-1 IgG in 4 (66.7%) samples. Of the 28 HSV-2 DNA samples, HSV-2 IgM was positive in 4 (14.3%) samples and HSV-2 IgG was positive in 7 (25%) samples, multi nucleated giant cells were seen in 2 (7.14%) samples. The remaining 15 (53.6%) HSV-2 DNA positive samples were seronegative. Conclusions: HSV-1 was detected in 6 (11.3%) samples. Though these genital ulcers may be mild, it is important to counsel the patients for abstinence or safe sex practices to prevent their partners from acquiring painful non-genital ulcers due to HSV-1.

Forma necrótica de úlcera de Lipschütz / Necrotic type of Lipschütz ulcer

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: Las úlceras de Lipschütz son una causa infrecuente de úlcera genital, de alivio espontáneo y casi siempre benignas, aunque en algunas pacientes pueden dejar cicatrices genitales. Lo común es que aparezcan en mujeres jóvenes, antes del inicio de la vida sexual activa, en coincidencia con un cuadro catarral o pseudogripal. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 18 años con una úlcera vulvar dolorosa, coincidente con un episodio de amigdalitis aguda y fiebre de 38 ºC. La paciente negó haber tenido relaciones sexuales. La úlcera alcanzó 3 a 4 cm, profunda, purulenta, con apertura del labio menor derecho y con importante componente necrótico. Para el control del dolor se le indicaron: corticoides, doxiciclina oral, crema con lidocaína y antiinflamatorios. Los análisis de laboratorio descartaron que se tratara de infección de trasmisión sexual. Al término del esquema terapéutico prescrito la evolución fue favorable, con desaparición de los síntomas, pero con una secuela: apertura del labio mayor derecho. CONCLUSIONES: La úlcera de Lipschütz es una causa infrecuente de úlcera vulvar. Su tratamiento consiste en el control de los síntomas y casi siempre se cura en el transcurso de 4 a 6 semanas, sin dejar lesiones. El diagnóstico solo puede establecerse luego de excluir otras causas más frecuentes de úlcera vulvar.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Lipschütz ulcers are an infrequent cause of genital ulcer, of spontaneous relief and almost always benign, although in some patients they may leave genital scars. They usually appear in young women, before the onset of active sexual life, coinciding with a catarrhal or flu-like condition. CLINICAL CASE: 18-year-old female patient with a painful vulvar ulcer, coinciding with an episode of acute tonsillitis and fever of 38 ºC. The patient denied having had sexual intercourse. The ulcer was 3 to 4 cm, deep, purulent, with opening of the right labium minora and with a significant necrotic component. For pain control she was prescribed corticosteroids, oral doxycycline, lidocaine cream and anti-inflammatory drugs. Laboratory tests ruled out sexually transmitted infection. At the end of the prescribed therapeutic scheme the evolution was favorable, with disappearance of symptoms, but with a sequel: opening of the right labium majus. CONCLUSIONS: Lipschütz ulcer is a rare cause of vulvar ulcer. Its treatment consists of symptom control and it almost always heals within 4 to 6 weeks, leaving no lesions. The diagnosis can only be established after other more frequent causes of vulvar ulceration have been excluded.

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among reproductive age group females presenting with genital ulcer: study from a tertiary care centre in India

Background: The co-existence genital ulcers either in the recipient or donor could potentially increase the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hence the meticulous clinical and serologic evaluation of females presenting with genital ulceration is important to curb the future spread of HIV.Methods: A total 80 female patients within the age group 15-45 years presenting with genital ulceration were enrolled in the study done at tertiary care centre in Amritsar for a period of one year. Various investigations such as Tzanck smear, VDRL, gram staining, genital mucosal biopsy, HSV serology and HIV testing - ELISA and Tri dot were done on study participants.Results: Out of 80 females, 8 patients with genital ulceration tested positive for HIV. Most common cause of genital ulceration in HIV positive female patients was herpes progenitalis (50%). Only 25% of HIV seropositive females were married rest were widowed or unmarried. History of condom use was absent in 62.5% of HIV positive females.Conclusions: Pre-existing genital ulcers due to sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or due to non-STDs, inconsistent condom use, urbanization and pre/extra marital affairs are risk factors for the acquisition of HIV.

Diagnosing Herpetic Genital Ulcers in a Resource-Limited Setting- What Works?

Aims: Globally, viral agents, especially herpes simplex virus (HSV), have overtaken the bacterial causes of genital ulcers. Very few laboratories in India, perform culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of genital ulcers. This study aimed to establish the utility of existing tests, which are cheaper and need less technical expertise, when compared to newer tests such as PCR.Study Design: This cross sectional study was carried out to determine the aetiology of genital ulcers, with emphasis on diagnosis of herpetic ulcers, using newer and more accurate methods of diagnosis and evaluating their performance by comparing against viral culture as gold standard test.Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out over a period of one year in the Apex Regional Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Centre at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi and the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi.Methodology: Fifty three patients with genital ulcers were included in the study. Specimens from ulcers were taken for various tests, including Giemsa stain, ELISA for HSV-1 & 2, PCR and Viral culture for HSV.Results: HSV was identified in 31 of 53 cases (58.5%), including 03 cases of HSV-1, and 28 cases of HSV-2. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR was 90.0% and 84.85%, respectively. Viral culture positivity was 37.7%.Conclusion: Genital herpes is associated with an increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition, and clinical manifestations are diverse; hence a presumptive diagnosis should be confirmed by reliable laboratory tests. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are the most sensitive methods for direct detection of HSV. The extensive validation of these tests allows for their application in routine laboratory settings with consistency and greater diagnostic accuracy. When standardised and used, PCR is a highly reproducible, rapid and labour efficient method for HSV detection.

Úlcera vulvar aguda de Lipschütz / Acute vulvar ulcer of Lipschütz

RESUMEN La úlcera de Lipschütz es una entidad poco frecuente e infradiagnosticada. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 24 años sin antecedente de contacto sexual que consultó por aparición súbita de úlceras vulvares dolorosas, en el contexto de un cuadro pseudogripal. Se discuten los principales diagnósticos diferenciales, dado que es una enfermedad no relacionada con enfermedades de transmisión sexual y poco reconocida por los profesionales de la salud, que precisa de manejo conservador.

ABSTRACT Lipschütz ulcer is a rare underdiagnosed entity. We present the case of a 24-year-old patient without history of sexual contact who consulted for sudden occurrence of painful vulvar ulcers, in the context of flu-like symptoms. The main differential diagnoses are discussed, as it is a disease unrelated to sexually transmitted diseases and little recognized by health professionals, which requires conservative management.

Non-sexually Related Genital Ulcer in a 16-year-old Girl (Lipschutz Ulcer) / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Úlcera genital recurrente: enfermedad de behcet. A propósito de un caso / Recurrent genital ulcer: behcet disease. Case report

Definir las causas de las úlceras vulvares no es fácil. El diagnóstico de la Enfermedad de Behcet se basa en la Historia Clínica detallada y en la observación clínica a largo plazo, ya que no existe ninguna prueba diagnóstica específica de esta enfermedad. En cuanto a su localización en la mujer los labios mayores y menores son la localización predilecta. El diagnóstico diferencial clínico incluye el eritema polimorfo, el eritema fijo medicamentoso, pero también enfermedades de transmisión sexual y entidades bien definidas como la úlcera vulvar aguda de Lipschutz. En general el estudio se realiza por descarte ya que la incidencia es baja, es una entidad poco conocida e infrecuente y que genera confusión cuando se presenta, como en el caso que detallamos a continuación.

To define the causes of vulvar ulcers is not easy. The diagnose of the Behcet's illness in based on the detailed clinical records and on a long therm clinical observation, since there is no specific diagnose test of this illness. The differential clinical diagnose includes the polyform drug erithema, but also sexually transmited illneses and well defined entities like Lipschutz's acute vulvuar ulcers. By and large this research is done by discarding since its incidence is low, it's a little know and infrequent entity that generates confusión when it's present, as in the following case.

Behcet’s Disease: Presented with Genital Ulcer.

Behcet’s disease which can affect almost every organ system of the body and is diagnosed mainly clinically is a rare condition. The presence of certain clinical features, elimination of other possible causes of patient’s symptoms and if possible proof of vasculitis by biopsy of an involved tissue supports a diagnosis. We report a young female presented with 7-day history of vulval ulcer and erythema nodosum. Diagnosis was made according to International Study Group criteria for Behcet’s disease and histological findings. She was treated with corticosteroid, colchicine and dapsone which caused significant clinical improvement. We report this case to increase awareness among physicians on Behcet’s disease to improve its management.

Nonsexually Acquired Genital Ulceration on the Perianal Area in an Elderly Man / 대한피부과학회지

Nonsexually acquired genital ulceration (NSAGU) is characterized by the abrupt appearance of painful genital ulcers, most often in young women. The onset may be preceded by an acute systemic illness such as fever or malaise, and many of the patients have a history of oral aphthosis. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. In our case, a 72-year-old male visited with multiple painful erythematous ulcers on the perianal area. By history taking, laboratory tests, and skin biopsy, we excluded etiologies such as herpes simplex virus infection, syphilis, chancroid, and Behcet's disease. Thus, we diagnosed the patient with NSAGU and treated him with systemic steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cyclosporine, and triamcinolone injection. Approximately 13 months after resolution, there had been no relapse. NSAGU is an uncommon condition and underrecognized by physicians. There have been no documentarily reported cases of NSAGU in Korea. Therefore, we present a case of NSAGU on the perianal area in an elderly man.

Úlcera genital aguda de Lipschütz: caso clínico / Lipschütz acute genital ulcer: case report

La úlcera genital aguda (UGA) o úlcera de Lipschütz constituye una infrecuente entidad clínica caracterizada por la aparición de úlceras genitales en niñas y adolescentes que no han iniciado su actividad sexual. El cuadro es de inicio agudo, con formación de úlceras dolorosas habitualmente precedidas en su aparición por manifestaciones sistémicas tales como fiebre, cefalea, astenia, adinamia, mialgias y adenopatías inguinales, y donde el estudio microbiológico de la lesión descarta un posible origen infeccioso. A pesar de presentar un cuadro clínico característico, esta enfermedad constituye una entidad poco conocida y por tanto subdiagnosticada, motivo por el cual presentamos el caso de una paciente de 10 años con diagnóstico de UGA realizado en el Departamento de Dermatología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Acute genital ulcer (AGU) or Lipschütz ulcer is a rare clinical entity characterized by the appearance of genital ulcers in children and adolescents who have not initiated sexual activity. The picture is of acute onset, with formation of painful ulcers on their occurrence usually preceded by systemic manifestations such as fever, headache, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and where the microbiological study of injury rule out a possible infectious origin. Despite presenting a characteristic clinical picture, this disease is a little known entity and under diagnosed, we present the case of a 10 years old girl diagnosed with UGA conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of Chile.

Guía de práctica clínica para el manejo sindrómico de los pacientes con infecciones de transmisión sexual y otras infecciones del tracto genital - 2013 / Clinical practice guideline for syndromic management of patients with sexually transmitted infections and other genital tract infections - 2013

Objetivo: reducir la variabilidad de la práctica en el manejo de las infecciones del tracto genital y de las infecciones de transmisión sexual; apoyar a los profesionales de la salud que atienden pacientes con ITG/ITS, con la más reciente evidencia respecto a la efectividad y seguridad de las intervenciones para la prevención primaria, secundaria y terciaria, y generar indicadores de implementación de la guía y de su impacto en la salud pública.Materiales y métodos: se constituyó un equipo desarrollador en el que participaron diferentes profesionales de la salud y representantes de pacientes. Se formularon preguntas clínicas relevantes y se realizó una búsqueda en repositorios nacionales e internacionales de Guías. Se evaluaron las Guías disponibles en cuanto a su calidad y aplicabilidad. Dado que ninguna guía cumplió con los criterios de adaptación, se decidió el desarrollo de una Guía de Novo. Se realizó una búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis, ensayos clínicos y estudios observacionales en las bases de datos pubmed, ovid, embase, cochrane y lilacs. Se elaboraron las tablas de evidencia y las recomendaciones con la aproximación grade por metodología de consenso formal e informal.Resultados: se presenta la “Guía de práctica clínica” con las recomendaciones y la evidencia de soporte para la prevención, el diagnóstico, tratamiento en cuanto a efectividad y seguridad, y seguimiento de los síndromes de: cervicitis, uretritis, úlcera genital, flujo vaginal, inflamación escrotal y bubón inguinal. Conclusiones: como recomendación central de implementación se plantea el manejo del paciente por medio de la dosis única y tratamiento expedito del compañero cuando sea posible. La Guía deberá actualizarse en tres años.

Objective: To reduce practice variability in the management of genital tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, and provide healthcare practitioners that care for patients with GTIs/STDs with the most recent evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the interventions for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention; and to create indicators to track the implementation of the guideline and its impact on public health. Materials and methods: A development team was set up with the participation of different healthcare professionals and patient representatives. Relevant clinical questions were asked and a search was conducted in the national and international guideline repositories. The existing guidelines were evaluated for quality and applicability. Considering that none of the guidelines met the criteria for adoption, it was decided to develop a de novo guideline. A search of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, clinical trials and observational studies was conducted in the pubmed, ovid, embase, cochrane and lilacs databases. Evidence tables and recommendations were prepared using the grade approach on the basis of the informal and formal consensus methodology. Results: The “Clinical Practice Guideline” is presented, including the recommendations and support evidence for prevention, diagnosis and treatment in terms of effectiveness and safety, and follow-up of cervicitis, urethritis, genital ulcer, vaginal discharge, scrotal inflammation and inguinal bubo. Conclusions: The core recommendation for implementation is patient management using a single dose and expedite treatment of the partner whenever possible. The Guideline must be updated in three years.

Alteration in sample preparation to increase the yield of multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction assay for diagnosis of genital ulcer disease.

Purpose: Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) is common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Multiple studies have shown that GUDs are strongly associated with the transmission and the acquisition of HIV infection. An accurate diagnosis of common etiology of GUD namely Herpes, syphilis and Chancroid is possible using Multiplex PCR (M-PCR). However, frequent presence of Polymerase Chain Reaction inhibitors in the ulcer swab specimen limits the performance of the assay. In order to overcome this problem, alternative specimen preparation method was used. Materials and Methods: To determine the common etiology, GUD specimens obtained under an STI operations research study were tested with M-PCR after the samples were prepared using Roche Amplicor specimen preparation kit. PCR inhibiting samples were identified from that, which showed negative results. These samples were subjected to phenol-chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation before the conduct of M-PCR on them. Results: Of the 237 GUD specimens tested, in 145 etiologies could be detected, whereas 92 samples were found negative. Further spiking with one of the target DNA, 128 of the negative samples were found to contain the inhibitors. These 126 samples were then subjected to phenol chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation followed by M-PCR. Using this method for sample preparation, etiology could be determined in 46 (23%) additional samples. This success rate of altered sample preparation method has been lower than that has reported. Conclusion: The results indicate that sample preparation using phenol chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation, prior to M-PCR helps to eliminate the inhibitors and increase the yield of the assay. However, being a laborious procedure, it may be used for samples giving negative results after the screening by Roche Amplicor specimen preparation kit.

A Syndromic Approach to the Management of Genital Ulcers

Genital ulcer disease is a common presentation of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can cause significant morbidity in patients. Syphilis (chancre of primary syphilis) and genital herpes are the two most significant ulcerative STIs and are occasionally indistinguishable clinically. Infectious syphilis is on the rise in Singapore particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM); whilst genital herpes although showing a decreasing incidence in recent years still presents with more than 500 notifications a year as first episode genital herpes. Due to the breaks in the mucosa of the skin caused by the ulcers, the risk of acquisition as well as transmission of HIV infection are both increased making timely treatment of genital ulcers of utmost importance. Although uncommon in Singapore, chancroid, LGV and granuloma inguinale remain endemic in some parts of Asia and there should be a high index of suspicion for patients who have returned from these regions presenting with ulcerative lesions. All patients who present with genital ulcers should have their blood tested for syphilis and HIV as well as a swab for culture or PCR testing taken from the ulcer to exclude genital herpes.

Behcet’s disease in pregnancy – A rare phenomenon.

Behcet’s disease is a multisystem relapsing disorder that affects the mucocutaneous surfaces. Though it is rare in pregnancy, suspicion should be kept in mind when any pregnant woman presents with multiple oral and genital ulcers. We wish to share our experience of managing a woman who was diagnosed as having Behcet’s disease first time during pregnancy.

Úlcera genital aguda en paciente adolescente / Acute genital ulcer in an adolescent patient

La úlcera vulvar aguda o úlcera de Lipschütz es una entidad poco frecuente y habitualmente subdiagnosticada. Es reconocida por la aparición súbita de lesiones ulcerosas y dolorosas en vulva, vagina y/o periné, sin antecedente de contacto sexual previo. La etiología es desconocida. El diagnóstico diferencial debe incluir causa infecciosa venérea o no, síntoma de cuadro autoinmune u otra enfermedad sistémica, o efecto secundario a la administración de fármacos. Las lesiones desaparecen espontáneamente, habitualmente sin secuelas y sin recurrencias a largo plazo.

Acute genital ulcer or Lipschütz ulcer is a rare and underdiagnosed, entity that usually presents an acute and painful ulcer in the vulva, lower vagina and/or perineum of nonvenereal origin. The etiology is unknown but the differential diagnosis must include sexually and nonsexually transmitted infections, autoimmune conditions, local manifestations of systemic illness and drug reactions. The lesions heal spontaneously and most patients have no recurrence and no long-term sequelae.

Úlcera genital, nem sempre uma clássica DST: relato de um caso tuberculose vulvar / Genital ulcer, nor always a classic DST: case report of a tuberculosis vulvar

A tuberculose vulvar é uma patologia rara, geralmente associada a um foco primário pulmonar. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar o quadro clínico, diagnóstico e tratamento de um caso de tuberculose vulvar acompanhado no serviço de Ginecologia da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória em 2004. Relata-se o caso de uma paciente de 54 anos, casada, com uma úlcera genital crônica, de grande extensão, sem outros sintomas associados. Foi submetida a biópsia da lesão e exames para investigação de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (sífilis, hepatites e HIV). Dos resultados, o estudo histopatológico evidenciou granuloma sugestivo de tuberculose, após descartar outras suspeitas. Realizou-se então como propedêutica radiografia de tórax, o qual apresentou lesões sugestivas de tuberculose. Fez-se baciloscopia do escarro, com resultado positivo. Diante do quadro de tuberculose pulmonar e do resultado encontrado na biópsia da úlcera genital, iniciou-se o tratamento com tuberculostáticos. Obteve-se então confirmação da tuberculose vulvar através da prova terapêutica positiva, com melhora significativa da lesão genital nos primeiros sete dias de tratamento. Observouse a importância de ter a tuberculose como diagnóstico diferencial nas úlceras genitais crônicas, por requerer investigação diagnóstica adequada para se instituir o tratamento preciso e obter a cura.

The tuberculosis to vulvar is a rare pathology, generally associated to a pulmonary primary focus. The objective of this ceport is to present the clinical, diagnostic picture and treatment of a vulvar tuberculosis followied in the service of Gynecology of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória in 2004. The case of a patient of 54 years old, married, with a chronic genital ulcer, of great extension, without other symptoms associates. It was submitted the biopsy of the injury and examinations for inquiry of some sexually transmissitted deseases (syphilis, hepatites and HIV). The results the biopsy it evidenced granuloma suggestive of tuberculosis, after to discard others suspicion. It was become fullfilled x-ray of thorax, which presented suggestive injuries of tuberculosis. Baciloscopy of pulmonary secretion became, with positive result. Ahead of the pulmonary picture of tuberculosis and the result found in the biopsy of the genital ulcer, the treatment with tuberculostatics was initiated. Confirmation of the tuberculosis was gotten then to vulvar through positive the therapeutical test, with significant improvement of the genital injury in first the seven days of treatment. It was observed the importance of if having the tuberculosis as diagnostic differential in the chronic genital ulcers, for requiring adequate diagnostic inquiry to do the necessary treatment and getting the cure.