Antibiotics are used for infections of the respiratory system as well as for infections in other parts of the body. One group of drugs developed to counteract the growth and invasion of bacteria includes the sulfonamides or sulfa drugs, which are not really antibiotics but are often called by this term. Some individuals develop a [...]
Symptomatic infection will usually respond to polyene agents (nystatin) or to one of a variety of imidazole antifungal agents (e.g. clotrimazole, econazole, isoconazole or miconazole) used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Typical regimens include: Nystatin vaginal pessaries or tablets (100,000 U) 1 or 2 pessaries or tablets daily for 2 weeks or topical imidazole [...]
The diagnosis of AIDS is based on clinical assessment and laboratory investigation. In the context of prevention of HIV infection, the recognition of HIV carriers is of much greater importance than the diagnosis of ‘AIDS’. All patients in the above categories must be regarded as infectious. The laboratory investigation of HIV infection can be considered [...]
Antenatal screening and control of early infectious syphilis are essential for the control of congenital syphilis. Seropositive women must be evaluated and treated promptly. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, patients who are not allergic to penicillin should be treated with penicillin according the regimens above. Pregnant patients with confirmed penicillin sensitivity should be referred [...]
Septicaemia is uncommon in gonorrhoea but haematogenously disseminated focal lesions may occur in the skin or in mucous, synovial or other membranes. Extragenital immune lesions may involve joints, skin and other sites. Septicaemic skin lesions are usually erythematous papules which may progress to superficial pustules and heal in a few days without scarring. Arthritis may [...]
Because of the frequency of concurrent infections and the possibility of silent infections or unusual presentations, some screening tests should be routine for all patients presenting with STD. A similar routine should be offered to patients in high risk groups presenting for check-ups. The following are recommended: Serological tests for syphilis (see p.25) i.e. routine [...]