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Biomedical subjects

Dirk M Elston

Publications and source records attributed to Dirk M Elston.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Pediculosis.

The 3 major lice that infest humans are Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), Pthirus pubis (crab louse), and Pediculus humanus humanus (body louse). Patients with louse infestation present with scalp pruritus, excoriations, cervical lymphadenopathy, and conjunctivitis. A hypersensitivity rash, or pediculid, may mimic a viral exanthem. Head lice infestation crosses all economic and social boundaries, whereas body lice infestation preferentially affects the homeless and displaced. Body lice are major vectors of diseases such as typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. Pubic lice infestation often is acquired as a sexually transmitted disease and may be a marker to screen for other sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment of louse infestation can be challenging. Mechanical measures, such as combing, are helpful as adjunctive measures, but most studies suggest they are not as effective as chemical agents. Resistance to chemical agents is a growing problem. Major types of resistance include knock-down resistance, glutathione-S-transferase-based resistance, and monooxygenase-based resistance. Research is needed to identify new effective treatments.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Cutaneous onchocercoma.

Onchocerciasis is a common, chronic multisystem disease with dermatologic, ocular, and systemic manifestations. Although the disease is endemic in Africa, Latin America, and Yemen, imported cases have been described in the United States. The causative organism, Onchocerca volvulus, is transmitted by the bite of a black fly of the genus Simulium. There are a number of cutaneous manifestations of the disease, including onchocercomas, which are subcutaneous bundles of worms. The antiparasitic agent ivermectin is the drug of choice for both prophylaxis and treatment of active disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Kaposi's varicelliform eruption: a case report and review of the literature.

Disseminated herpes or vaccinia in the setting of underlying skin diseases is known as Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (KVE). Patients typically present with disseminated vesicopustules in the areas of the most severe involvement of their underlying skin disease. We report a case of eczema herpeticum in a woman with a long-standing history of atopic dermatitis (AD). This report also reviews the literature on eczema herpeticum and eczema vaccinatum (EV), summarizes clinical and histopathologic characteristics and treatment, and discusses the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for smallpox vaccination.

2-Aminopurine↗
PubMed2004

Tacrolimus-induced tinea incognito.

Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus represent a new class of topical nonsteroidal medications currently used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory skin lesions. We report the case of a patient in whom topical tacrolimus therapy resulted in widespread lesions of tinea incognito. This case shows that partial treatment of dermatophytosis with griseofulvin may obscure the diagnosis. It also suggests that topical tacrolimus appears capable of inducing widespread dermatophytosis. The clinical appearance in this case was similar to tinea incognito induced by a topical corticosteroid.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Epidemiology and prevention of skin and soft tissue infections.

Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes remain the 2 major organisms responsible for most common skin and soft tissue infections. While methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) typically is considered a hospital-acquired organism, outbreaks of community-acquired MRSA are being reported. Simple interventions can reduce the spread of this infection. Erysipelas is a streptococcal syndrome with high morbidity. The epidemiology has changed, with an increasing number of cases involving the lower extremities. Risk factors for erysipelas can be identified, which allow clinicians to target patients at high risk for recurrent disease. Although staphylococci and streptococci are the predominant cutaneous pathogens, enterococci and gram-negative organisms account for a significant proportion of skin infections.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

Leishmaniasis acquired in the Iraqi Theater of Operations: lessons learned.

Between August 2002 and February 2004, the Department of Defense identified 522 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in military personnel. This commentary examines reasons why there were so many cases of leishmaniasis during this conflict as compared with Operation Desert Storm. Lessons learned can be applied to reduce the risk to US personnel during future conflicts. Among the factors to be considered are environment, exposure, vector control, and the failure to deliver insect repellent to deployed US personnel.

Communicable Diseases↗