Confirmed case
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Laboratory confirmed: The diagnosis of HIV infection is based on laboratory confirmation using one or more of the following:
In adults and children over 18 months:
Repeatedly reactive screening tests for HIV antibody by an approved testing algorithm (e.g., double enzyme linked assay (ELISA) followed by Western Blot if necessary) in persons aged more than 18 months.
Direct identification of virus in host tissues by virus isolation through Culture or Polymerase Chain Reaction: PCR or HIV antigen detection (p24 antigen).
In children younger than 18 months:
In cases of HIV positive mothers, their children may carry maternal antibodies for up to 18 months. In order to make a definitive diagnosis of HIV infection, viral material needs to be demonstrated by, for instance, a PCR test or p24Ag. Such a test should be done at least twice, at one month and at four months of age. The second PCR test should take place between four and six months of age.
In the absence of diagnostic facilities for these tests, HIV infection in infants born to HIV positive mothers is defined as the persistence of HIV antibodies beyond the age of 18 months. Antibody testing in the absence of breastfeeding should be carried out every three to six months until two consecutive negative results or to age 18 months, if infection is ruled out by two consecutive non-reactive antibody tests.
In the special case that a non-reactive infant has been exposed to breastmilk of an HIV positive mother, HIV testing of that child should take place three months after breastfeeding is stopped.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a complex sexually transmitted infection with a highly variable clinical course resulting from initial infection with Treponema palidum. Congenital syphilis may result from untreated women becoming pregnant and infecting their offspring.
confirmed case (primary syphilis)
-
Laboratory confirmed: A case of Genital Ulcer Syndrome (see case definition) with laboratory confirmation: Nontreponemal (VDRL/RPR) and treponemal (MHATP/TPHA or FTA) reactive serology when no history of previous syphilis or treponemal infection
OR
four-fold increase in titre over the last known non-treponemal (VDRL/RPR) test
OR
demonstration of Treponema pallidum from a chancre or in aspirated material from a regional lymph node by dark field, fluorescent antibody, or equivalent microscopic methods.
suspected case (secondary syphilis)
An individual with any of the following:
-
localised or diffused
-
mucocutaneous lesions
-
generalised lymphadenopathy
-
alopecia
-
loss of eyelashes and lateral third of eyebrows, iritis, splenomegaly.
confirmed case (secondary syphilis)
-
Laboratory confirmed: A confirmed case is a suspected case with laboratory confirmation: Non-treponemal (VDRL/RPR) and (MHATP/TPHA or FTA) reactive serology
OR
Non-treponemal (VDRL/RPR) serology titre greater than or equal to 1:8
OR
demonstration of Treponema pallidum from a chancre or in aspirated material from a regional lymph node by darkfield, fluorescent antibody, or equivalent microscopic methods.
confirmed case (other syphilis: serological syphilis)
-
Laboratory confirmed: An individual who does not meet the criteria for primary, secondary or congenital syphilis with the following diagnosis laboratory confirmation: Non-treponemal (VDRL/RPR) and/or treponemal (MHATP/TPHA or FTA) reactive serology with no known previous treatment for syphilis
OR
four-fold rise in non-treponemal (VDRL/RPR) serology titre.
Latent and Tertiary Syphilis
Their diagnosis is done occasionally through mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and generally through clinical manifestations, such as cardiovascular abnormalities (thoracic
Syphilis, continued
aortic aneurysm and aortic insufficiency), skin lesions (localised gumma formation) and neurologic manifestations, (general paresis, tabes dorsalis and focal neurologic signs) as well as skeleton, testis and cartilage dysfunction and abnormalities.
probable case (Congenital syphilis)
An infant (live or still birth) born to a woman with a diagnosis of syphilis who:
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is untreated OR
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does not have documentation of treatment OR
-
did not have an expected decrease in serology titre after treatment OR
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was treated one month or less before delivery OR
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was treated with non-penicillin therapy OR
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an infant (live or stillbirth) with clinical evidence of congenital syphilis on physical examination or long bones X-ray OR
-
an infant with a non-treponemal (VDRL/RPR) serology titre which is four-fold greater than the mother’s titre
probable case (Congenital syphilis)
-
Laboratory confirmed: A probable case with Laboratory confirmation: Demonstration of Treponema pallidum by darkfield microscopy, fluorescent antibody, or other specific stains from nasal discharges or skin lesions, or in placental, umbilical cord or autopsy material of a neonate.
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Although there are more than 100 species of Trichomonas, only three of them affect humans. Trichomonas vaginalis is the species responsible for urogenital tract infection. Trichomonas vaginalis is the most frequent parasitic sexually transmitted infection among women. The infection among men is generally asymptomatic. Infection with Trichomonas may result in genital discharge syndrome.
confirmed case
Laboratory confirmed: The diagnosis is made by direct microscopic observation of motile characteristic parasites. The preparation consists of adding physiological saline solution to a swab of vaginal secretions and analysing under a light microscope (100x). Other methods of identification exist, such as culture (Diamond’s modified medium); antigen detection (Direct Enzyme Immunoassay and Fluorescent Direct Immunoassay); and the DNA detection by PCR. These expensive methods should be used only in aetiologic surveys to determine pathogens circulating and to adapt national STI treatment algorithms.
Unit 7
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