Syphilis, HIV and other Infections: A Continuing Challenge

Abstract

Syphilis, HIV and other infections should be considered in patients with dermatology clinic lesions. We report the case of a young female who showed multiple lesions arond genital and perigenital areas. The dark field microscopy and serological study for syphilis and HIV were positive. Four months later she showed ulcerations which evidenced a partial response to penicillin treatment. The histopathology of skin biopsy reported “compatible with donovanosis” so she was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Several months later, biopsy and scrapings of new lesions were performed and Histoplasma capsulatum was detected. Itraconazole therapy was initiated and after three years she returned with almost complete remission of the lesions.