April 17th 2024
A recent study found that human papillomavirus vaccination when aged under 20 years, coupled with active surveillance for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2, significantly lowers the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or cervical cancer.
Update on Sexually Transmitted Diseases:Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infections
April 1st 2006Most cases of HSV-2 infection are spread through sexual transmission. An infected person can have virus in his or her saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions. When a seronegative partner comes in sexual contact with these secretions, the virus can enter the body through mucosal surfaces (such as the vagina, anus, or mouth) or micro-abrasions on the skin (eg, the penile shaft, scrotum, thighs, or perineum).
Update on Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Gonorrhea and Chlamydial Infections
March 1st 2006Gonorrhea (aka "the clap," or "the drip") is caused by sexually transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae--a Gram-negative diplococcus. One of the most common reportable diseases in the United States, gonorrhea frequently affects sexually active adolescents. Approximately 30% of the 350,000 annual cases involve 15- to 19-year-olds. (That percentage is thought to be an underestimate!) Those most often infected are young women 15 to 24 years old. Recent data suggest that infection rates are higher among teens who are homeless or pregnant, and in those from a minority group or an economically disadvantaged background.
Guest Commentary: Actually, Doctor, There's This One Thing . . .
March 1st 2006Your patient, Keith, is a 19-year-old college freshman who is currently on spring break following the successful completion of his midterm exams. You have known him since he was 9 years old and you are looking forward to hearing about his first few months away at school.
A 9-Year-Old Girl With Eruptions and Malaise
January 1st 2006A 9-year-old girl presented with these lesions on her face and extremities. The lesions, which had developed within the past 24 hours, were warm to the touch and only mildly pruritic. The child feels unwell with nonspecific complaints of malaise and lack of energy. Before this eruption, she had been healthy and had not been taking any medications.