Identifying gram-positive cocci in dermatoscopes and smartphone adapters using MALDI-TOF MS: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: The increasingly frequent use of dermoscopy makes us think about the possibility of transfer of microorganisms, through the dermatoscope, between doctor and patients. Objectives: To identify the most frequent gram-positive cocci in dermatoscopes and smartphone adapters, as well as the resistance profile, and to evaluate the factors associated with a higher risk of bacterial contamination of the dermatoscopes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 118 dermatologists from Porto Alegre/Brazil between September 2017 and July 2018. Gram-positive cocci were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and habits of use of the dermatoscope were evaluated through an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Of the dermatoscopes analysed, 46.6% had growth of gram-positive cocci on the lens and 37.3% on the on/off button. The microorganisms most frequently found were S. epidermidis, S. hominis and S. warneri. Attending a hospital, using the dermatoscope at the hospital, with inpatients and in the intensive care unit were significantly associated with colonisation by gram-positive cocci. The highest resistance rates were observed for penicillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Study limitations: The non-search of gram-negative bacilli, fungi and viruses. Moreover, the small number of adapters did not make it possible to better define if the frequency differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Coagulase-negative staphylococci were frequently identified. S. aureus was detected only on the lens.

Importancia del seguimiento de lesiones melanocíticas con dermatoscopia digital para el diagnóstico temprano de melanoma / Importance of monitoring melanocytic lesions with digital dermatoscopy for diagnosis early melanoma

La dermatoscopia digital es una herramienta que permite el diagnóstico de melanomas en estadios tempranos, por medio del seguimiento de las lesiones pigmentarias a largo plazo. Se comunican tres casos de pacientes con alto riesgo de melanoma, en los cuales ‒a través del seguimiento con dermatoscopia digital‒ se realizó el diagnóstico de la enfermedad mediante la detección de cambios morfológicos, arquitecturales y de pigmentación de las lesiones estudiadas. (AU)

Digital dermoscopy is a tool that allows the early diagnosis of melanomas, through the long-term follow up of pigmentary skin lesions. We report three cases of patients with high-risk of melanoma, in which the diagnosis had been made by morphological, arquitectural and pigmentary changes observed by the digital dermoscopy follow-up. (AU)

Application of dermoscopy image analysis technique in diagnosing urethral condylomata acuminata

Abstract: Background: In this study, cases with suspected urethral condylomata acuminata were examined by dermoscopy, in order to explore an effective method for clinical. Objective: To study the application of dermoscopy image analysis technique in clinical diagnosis of urethral condylomata acuminata. Methods: A total of 220 suspected urethral condylomata acuminata were clinically diagnosed first with the naked eyes, and then by using dermoscopy image analysis technique. Afterwards, a comparative analysis was made for the two diagnostic methods. Results: Among the 220 suspected urethral condylomata acuminata, there was a higher positive rate by dermoscopy examination than visual observation. Study limitations: Dermoscopy examination technique is still restricted by its inapplicability in deep urethral orifice and skin wrinkles, and concordance between different clinicians may also vary. Conclusion: Dermoscopy image analysis technique features a high sensitivity, quick and accurate diagnosis and is non-invasive, and we recommend its use.