HIV Dermatology in Switzerland – From the Beginning to the Present

Abstract

The panendemic of HIV has markedly influenced the dermatology of our generation. This new infection produced atypical manifestations of known dermatological diseases. And beyond that, mucocutaneous diseases emerged, which had not yet been described. Classical epidemiological studies concluded that clustering of AIDS cases could be explained only if AIDS was an infection transmitted by sexual activity or blood. Switzerland was hit early on by the HIV epidemic, and Theo Rufli, the leading expert on sexually transmitted diseases in our country, was involved from the beginning. He contributed with his team to a better delineation of the cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection by directing one of the largest prospective studies on the natural course of cutaneous manifestations of HIV. In addition, he participated in studies which documented new skin diseases in HIV-infected patients. From the very beginning of the epidemic in Switzerland, Theo Rufli founded an organization which helped patients cope with their diagnosis. In Basel, an anonymous consultation facility was established. Theo Rufli also strongly supported the ‘Stop AIDS’ campaign. This review looks back on the history of HIV in Switzerland and especially in Basel.

Skin Lesions as Another Possible Clinical Manifestation of Mitochondrial Toxicity in an HIV-Infected Patient

“…Here too, chronic hepatitis C infection and/or opiate ingestion appear to be closely linked to this event. Finally, telangiectasia of many sites, including also the palms and soles, have already been described in HIV-infected patients [5,6] . Our patient described above did not present hepatitis C co-infection and denied opiate intake.…”

“…Altogether, these findings suggest a relation between the eruption and mitochondrial cytopathy. The role of acute liver disease and/or elevated estrogen remains however open to discussion [5,6] .…”