Efficacy of pulsed dyed laser (585 nm) in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum subtype 1.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common cutaneous disease that may be difficult to treat when there are multiple lesions; especially in children. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of pulsed dye laser (585 nm) in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in 20 children. In the treated group, 70.5% of lesions healed after the first treatment; the remaining 10.6% after the second treatment (2 weeks later). The overall cure rate was significantly different from the control group (p< 0.01). The therapy was also well tolerated. Only mild transient hypopigmentation and erythema were observed. None encountered infectious events. In conclusion, pulsed dye laser is a good alternative treatment for molluscum contagiosum due to high efficacy and mild transient side effects.

The spread of avian influenza H5N1 virus; a pandemic threat to mankind.

Influenza A H5N1 virus infection presents a major public health problem in Asian and Eurasian countries. The World Health organization has voiced their concerns about a potential pandemic with the imminent threat to humankind. In 1997, an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 virus emerged and caused severe systemic disease among poultry and humans in Hong Kong. This article reviews the magnitude of the 2004-2006 outbreaks in various countries and highlights the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 virus as the cause of a major epidemic with potentially vast repercussions on economics, public health and society at large. Not only has this avian influenza (AI) virus infected poultry but has also proven highly pathogenic and fatal to mammalian species including humans and felines. The present review draws a comprehensive picture encompassing epidemiology, inter-species transmission and genetic characterization of this highly virulent virus. Moreover, laboratory diagnostic techniques, vaccination strategies and antiviral therapies aimed at outbreak control and management are also discussed.