IntroductionCowden syndrome is a rare cancer predisposition syndrome inherited in an autosomal-dominant fashion. The syndrome is characterized by hamartomatous polyps that affect multiple organs: skin, mucous membranes, thyroid, breast, gastrointestinal tract, endometrium and brain. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing malignancy in many tissues but especially breast, thyroid and endometrium.Case presentationWe present the case of a 30-year-old Tunisian woman with mental retardation who presented to our facility with rectal hamartomatous polyps. Her medical history included fibrocystic disease of the breast over the last three years. A physical examination revealed macrocephaly, hyperkeratotic papules on the mid-facial skin, palmoplantar keratosis and oral mucosal papillomatosis. A breast examination revealed nodular breast tissue bilaterally and a diffuse thyroid goiter. Our patient was clinically euthyroid. A total thyroidectomy was performed. A histopathologic examination revealed thyroid papillary carcinoma. A gastrointestinal evaluation revealed esophageal and gastric polyps. Biopsies showed hyperplastic and adenomatous lesions associated with Helicobacter pylori. A final diagnosis of Cowden syndrome was made according to the syndrome testing criteria adapted by the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network. A prophylactic bilateral mastectomy was proposed but refused by our patient. Our patient was kept under surveillance for breast and colorectal malignancies.ConclusionsEarly and accurate diagnosis of Cowden syndrome is essential because it is a cancer predisposition syndrome that carries an increased risk for developing malignancy in many tissues, especially breast and thyroid. For this reason, education regarding the signs and symptoms of cancer is important. All patients must be screened for malignancies and options for prophylactic mastectomy should be discussed. Guidelines for cancer screening including surveillance and management plans for these patients should be distinguished from those of the general population, and may lead to a more timely diagnosis and treatment of cancers associated with this syndrome.
Background: Contact dermatitis is common disease and represents a significant problem in healthcare sector, mainly among nurses. Many studies reported the prevalence of contact dermatitis from different parts of the world. Nevertheless, data about its frequency in Tunisia especially in public hospital seems to be insufficient. This study aims to assess the prevalence of contact dermatitis among nurses working in public hospital and identify risk factors. Patient and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of 1278 health professionals working in a public hospital matched by professional status and department. The survey was based on a questionnaire, a specialized examination and patch tests. Results: The prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis was 22% (17.5-27.2). The worker profile at risk of contact dermatitis was a female nurse aged 37 years working in a surgical department during 12.7 ± 9.36 years. Hands were damaged in 92.4% of cases and rhythmicity with occupational exposure was reported by 86% of affected individuals. Patch tests using European Standard Battery were performed among 33 workers and revealed a sensitization to an allergen among 26 workers. Patch test using rubber battery (if suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis to gloves) was performed among 29 agents and positive among 12. The analytical study revealed that history of atopy, job tenure, the mean daily number of hand washing, the mean daily number of worn gloves and mean duration of glove wearing were significantly higher in the affected population. Conclusion: Contact dermatitis affects particularly nurses in public hospitals. Its prevention requires a diagnostic approach based on a detailed professional investigation and patch tests.
Over the last decade, Malassezia species have emerged as increasingly important pathogens associated with a wide range of dermatological disorders and bloodstream infections. The pathogenesis of Malassezia yeasts is not completely clear but it seems to be strictly related to Malassezia strains and hosts and need to be better investigated. This study aimed to assess the enzymatic activities, biofilm formation and in vitro antifungal profiles of Malassezia spp. from Pityriasis versicolor and heathy patients. The potential relationship between virulence attributes, the antifungal profiles and the origin of strains were also assessed. A total of 44 Malassezia strains isolated from patients with (n = 31) and without (n = 13) Pityriasis versicolor (PV) were employed to evaluate phospholipase (Pz), lipase (Lz), hemolytic (Hz) activities and biofilm formation. In addition, in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted using the CLSI broth microdilution with some modifications. A high percentage of strains produced phospholipase, lipase, hemolysins and biofilm regardless of their clinical origin. The highest number of strains producing high enzymatic activities came from PV patients. A correlation between the intensity of hydrolytic activities (lipase and phospholipase activities) and the hemolytic activity was detected. Positive associations between Lz and the low fluconazole susceptibility and Hz and biofilm formation were observed. These results suggest that enzyme patterns and biofilm formation together with antifungal profiles play a role in the pathogenicity of Malassezia spp. and might explain the implication of some Malassezia spp. in invasive fungal infections and in the development of inflammation.
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