ABSTRACT
We report a case of multiform granuloma observed in a young woman of 28 years from Brazzaville, Congo. Extended lesions on the arms, back, face, legs and feet appeared over one month. They consisted of slightly squamous erythemato-oedematous plaques, with polycyclical margins and raised papular borders. The diagnosis was made histologically and recovery was spontaneous over a period of two months. We discuss clinical and histopathological aspects, which can sometimes lead to confusion with Hansen's disease.
Subject(s)
Granuloma Annulare/pathology , Adult , Biopsy , Congo , Female , Humans , Remission, SpontaneousABSTRACT
Between January 1 and December 31, 1993, malaria was found in 22.6% of unexplained fever cases among expatriates in Brazzaville, i.e. 0.5% of all consulting physicians at the Medico-Social Centre of the Coopération française. There are three possible explanations for the small proportion of paludism infection among expatriates: the low density of anopheles in the city centre, living conditions that restrict possible man-vector contacts and use of chemoprophylaxis. Considering the risks of self-treatment which are not insignificant, the authors on the importance of taking into account these facts when treating cases of fever among European residents in Brazzaville.
Subject(s)
Fever , Malaria/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Congo , Europe/ethnology , Humans , Infant , Malaria/epidemiology , Malaria, Falciparum/diagnosis , Middle AgedABSTRACT
During the month of May 1993, at the end of the rainy season, an outbreak of dermatitis occurred in Brazzaville (Congo). It was caused by Paederus sabaeus, a Staphylinid beetle which invaded the town during three weeks. The patients recovered spontaneously or after topical application of creams. No eye affection was recorded.
Subject(s)
Coleoptera , Dermatitis/drug therapy , Dermatitis/etiology , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Coleoptera/chemistry , Congo , Dermatitis/pathology , Pyrans/poisoning , Seasons , Toxins, BiologicalABSTRACT
In May 1993, at the end of the rainy season, outbreaks of Paederus sabaeus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) were recorded in Brazzaville (Congo), Kinshasa (Zaire), Franceville and Libreville (Gabon) and even in Bangui (CAR) at the North of the equator. A short review of previous outbreaks in Africa and on vesicant substances is given by the authors. These beetles are attracted to neon lights and they rest on the walls or on the skin of the occupants. When the insects are crushed on the bare skin their haemolymph liberate pederine and related vesicant components which provocate dermatitis. The insects disappeared spontaneously after three to four weeks.
